Controversial Islamic Sheikh, Ahmad Gumi, is supporting the fight against insecurity, says Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
According to Irabor, Gumi is playing his part to help deal with the menace of insecurity, hence, won’t be stopped by the military.
The Peoples Gazette quoted Irabor as saying this during a ministerial briefing organised by the presidential communications team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Defence Chief says while Gumi does not work for the military, the military would l not prevent him or anyone from contributing to the country’s security effort.
The newspaper recalled that the influential Islamic cleric recently stated that one-third of Nigeria’s budget for battling insecurity should be spent on bandits through techniques other than fighting, such as enlightenment and listening to their problems.
It also said during a recent speaking engagement at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Gumi stated that the humane side of bandits could be optimised by showing them understanding and respect.
He said he has been able to undertake several visits and negotiations with the brigands simply by showing empathy to their yearnings.
The advocacy of Gumi for bandits drew flaks from the presidency weeks past.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman Femi Adesina slammed him as “bandits-lover”.
Many Nigerians have also called for Gumi’s interrogation.
Irabor also announced that the military has received all 12 A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets ordered from the United States.
He said while the military should have had the last six aircraft on September 24, a variety of factors, including weather, delayed delivery until September 28, 2021.
The fighter jets according to the defence chief are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s military operations across the country
