Sophia Michaels
The faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Engr. Chidi Ibeh has demanded the arrest and prosecution of the renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, in response to his recent comments concerning Christians in Nigeria.
Gumi was quoted as saying it was dangerous to entrust Nigeria’s national security in the hands of Christians and southerners.
He made the remark while condemning the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for receiving the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria in his office and planning to collaborate with Israel over security issues in Abuja.
Gumi said the minister plans to make Abuja an extension of Tel Aviv.
He also said bearded Muslims in Abuja would be tagged Osama Bin Ladin and killed.
In a statement by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, on Saturday, Ohanaeze described the outburst as a dangerous declaration of religious war against Christians.
According to him, “We categorically denounce this divisive rhetoric, as it undermines the principles of religious freedom and inclusivity that our great nation stands for.
“Nigeria is a multicultural society where every citizen, regardless of religious affiliations, deserves equal rights and opportunities.”
Isiguzoro applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Wike, a Christian and ex-Rivers State Governor, as Minister of the FCT.
“Their collaboration represents the unity and progress that Nigeria needs to overcome its challenges and build a prosperous future for all her citizens,” he asserted.
While re-echoing the call on relevant authorities to take immediate action against Gumi, Isiguzoro insisted that the cleric must be arrested and made to face treasonable charges as his statement poses a grave threat to national security and social cohesion.
