I’ll advocate for Nnamdi Kanu’s release if he shows remorse – Gumi

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended his advocacy for a non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria, saying he would lead calls for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu if he shows genuine remorse

Kanu was sentenced by the Federal High Court in Abuja on seven counts of terrorism.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Gumi said that if Kanu expresses regret for his past actions and calls for peace, he would actively push for his pardon and amnesty.

“This Kanu, who was imprisoned for terrorism for agitating that our soldiers should be k!lled, if he now shows remorse and calls for peace, I will be at the forefront in advocating for his pardon and amnesty,” Gumi said.

He cited historical examples of amnesty in Nigeria, including former President Shehu Shagari’s pardon of Odumegwu Ojukwu and Umaru Yar’Adua’s amnesty to Niger Delta militants who committed acts of terrorism. “This is how we have always handled such cases,” he said.

Gumi, a long-time proponent of non-kinetic strategies to address security challenges, particularly in northern Nigeria, argued that military action alone cannot solve the country’s problems.

“Even America could not succeed in Afghanistan, even Israel could not control a small strip of land. Our army is not designed for guerrilla warfare; no army is,” he said.

He also noted that groups like Fulani herdsmen have indicated a willingness to pursue peace. “When you call them for peace, they come, sometimes armed, for many reasons,” he said. “Can you call IPOB for peace? Can you call Boko Haram? Some leaders have tried, but it becomes difficult over time. Anybody who inclines toward peace, I stand with them.”

Gumi’s remarks come amid rising insecurity in Nigeria, with recent mass abductions of schoolchildren and worshippers in several states raising alarm. President Bola Tinubu has ordered security operatives to pursue the assailants, but opposition figures have criticized the government’s response as inadequate.

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