A well-known Islamic pastor, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has issued a harsh warning to President Bola Tinubu about the current state of insecurity in the country.
In an interview with The Sun, Gumi discussed insecurity insecurity, especially in states such as the plateau, Benue, Zamfara and Kasina, and criticized the government’s approach to addressing these challenges.
According to Gumi, the government’s response is reactive, not proactive, describing it as a “fire brigade” approach.
He stressed that security issues should be addressed more comprehensively, as it has a direct impact on other aspects of national progress, including the economy.
“The safety situation has been fluctuating for a while. When you soothe one area, it brews in another area. It just means that our approach is still a fire brigade, not a whole,” Gumi said.
He further stressed that the country’s leaders need to see security as a more urgent and fundamental issue. “Every mixer life should be in direct contact. We should know them. This is important because everything else, including the improved economy, depends on it,” Gumi said.
Gumi also pointed out that foreign participation in Nigeria’s security challenges refers to comments from U.S. Congressmen who claimed his country is funding Boko Haram.
He warned that foreign powers, especially those from Western countries, could destabilize Nigeria and later use its resources.
“We shouldn’t do our best.” Gumi warned that geopolitical exercises in Africa and the Sahel were implied. He noted that the West’s reluctance to provide necessary support to the Nigerian military was part of a larger plan to weaken the country.
When asked about the role of foreign mercenaries in fighting the crisis, Gumi clearly rejected the idea of relying on external forces in his response. “The military Pentagon has changed since 9/11. This also puts Snowball into World War III.” He said.
He believes that Nigeria must be responsible for its security and avoid relying on foreign powers, especially in view of historical exploitation.
He noted that despite Nigeria’s large amount of natural resources, such as oil, uranium and gold, the country is still undermined by foreign interests.
“We are richer than many Arabs. If you compare yourself to Saudi Arabia, we are richer than them.” He asserted. Gumi stressed that Africa must unite to become stronger and start with regional cooperation in West Africa.