Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a controversial Islamic cleric known for his advocacy of dialogue with bandits and terrorists, has once again sparked a national debate, declaring that if he were president, he would grant a six-month amnesty window for all terrorists and bandits to lay down their weapons. In a viral video that has reignited the polarizing conversation on amnesty and dialogue, Gumi asked why the government refuses to negotiate with the armed groups that have turned vast swathes of Nigeria into a theatre of bloodshed.
"Why can't we negotiate with them?" Gumi asked in the video. "If I'm the president, I will announce that I'm giving a six-month amnesty window for all the terrorists and bandits to put down their weapons". The cleric's latest proposal comes amid a relentless wave of attacks that have killed thousands and displaced millions across the North-West, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna states. Just last week, bandits killed five residents in Girkau community, Sokoto, and abducted several others, including young boys and girls. The attackers also killed two in Dukura and Jabga, abducted a vigilante, and rustled a large number of cattle.
Gumi's proposal echoes the Federal Government's Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, a deradicalisation and reintegration programme for repentant Boko Haram fighters. However, critics have argued that such amnesty programmes have not yielded lasting results and have, in some cases, allowed hardened criminals to escape justice. The cleric has previously faced backlash for his meetings with bandit leaders, which he argued were aimed at facilitating peace. In 2021, he came under fire after meeting with bandits in Niger State, where he was seen in photographs with their leaders.
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with some Nigerians arguing that amnesty could be a pathway to peace, while others argue that it would reward criminals who have terrorised communities. The Federal Government has not yet responded to Gumi's latest statement. However, the Presidency and security agencies have consistently maintained that they will not negotiate with terrorists, insisting that the military will continue its offensive operations. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has also warned political actors against recruiting youths for violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the debate over amnesty and dialogue continues, Gumi's proposal has added a new dimension to the national conversation on insecurity. Whether his plan would succeed or fail remains a matter of intense speculation. What is clear, however, is that the cleric has once again placed the issue of dialogue with terrorists firmly at the centre of Nigeria's security discourse. The question now is whether the government will heed his call or continue to rely on military force to end the crisis.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments