Gumi questions lack of official dialogue with Boko Haram, bandits
Controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has criticized the absence of government officials engaging Boko Haram and bandits in dialogue, unlike past approaches with Niger Delta militants. He referenced how former leaders Goodluck Jonathan and Yemi Osinbajo personally visited militants to broker peace. Gumi has long advocated for negotiation over military action in the North, drawing both support and criticism. He maintains that dialogue is essential to ending violence and rehabilitating armed groups.
What we know
- Ahmad Gumi questioned why no officials have visited Boko Haram and bandits for peace talks, as was done with Niger Delta militants.
- He recalled that Goodluck Jonathan and Yemi Osinbajo visited militants in the creeks and developed programmes to end militancy.
- Gumi has visited bandit camps in Zamfara and other northern states, advocating for dialogue and rehabilitation.
- The Niger Delta amnesty programme, launched under late President Umaru Yar’Adua and continued by Jonathan, led to disarmament and reintegration of militants.
- Osinbajo toured Niger Delta communities as acting president, arguing that militants had genuine grievances needing direct engagement.
