By David Onimisi Lawani
The Director of Publicity of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, Dr. Akim Baba Ahmed has warned the Federal Government not to ignore Sheik Gumi stressing that ignoring him is not the best way to tackle the challenges with the bandits and kidnappers.
Ahmed made this call when he featured on the AIT Live program stressing that it is unfortunate that the Islamic scholar has not been listened to or invited to hear from him on how this banditry and kidnapping can be addressed.
He said avoiding the Sheik or dismissing him with the wave of the hand will further compound the problem but rather advised that he should be allowed to be heard and if what he said didn’t fall in line he can be excused.
According to him: “I don’t think Sheik Gumi’s position has been understood by the government. And, I am not sure that other people outside only a few people in the media have gone out of their way to sit down with this Sheik and ask him in detail what exactly he wants to be done. We have imputed a lot of motives and put lots of words in his mouth. I think it is important he is listened to with respect.
”There is no respect for him but for someone who has interacted and understands some things that are important fr the state and the community of Nigerian people to understand this banditry and kidnapping. Somebody like Sheik Gumi has not had access to be discussed with. NSA, I don’t think he has spoken to General Mongunu. He has not seen the president.
”And, that shows you quite possibly we are dealing with an administration that locks the door irrespective of the value they bring to governance or security issues. They should speak to Gumi. Let him explain what he means when he says things like; speak with them, talk with them, and amnesty.
They should speak with him. And, if they find in the end that he has nothing to offer, apart from ideas he thinks will bring disinvestment, they can by all means simply dismiss whatever he is saying. He was a military man”, he said.
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He however noted that those who have the responsibility of bringing this banditry and kidnapping to an end should do everything possible to listen to him as only they can know what idea is good.
”A military officer, Patriotic Nigerian, a very committed clerk and highly respected. He is not going to go out of his way and start using words and concepts and suggestions that have no basis at all. Again, I am not going to borrow the words I am using. You asked me if his suggestions will be useful? And I am saying to you that those who have the responsibility to bring an end to this banditry and kidnapping should listen to him. Those whose responsibility should listen to him and then they can know what is a good idea and what is not”.
