The lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has described the statement credited to a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, saying that the government should arm Igbo youths to counter IPOB activities as misguided, divisive, and inflammatory.
Gumi, had reportedly proposed the training and arming of youths in the South-East to combat the activities of IPOB, suggesting that the most effective way to address terrorism and crises in the South-East is by deploying young individuals familiar with the terrain against insurgents.
He cited the examples of Asari Dokubo and Tompolo in the Niger Delta, who were transformed from warlords into protectors of government investments in the creeks and enforcers against unrepentant criminals.
However, reacting to the development, Ejiofor, a human rights lawyer, in a statement on Tuesday, stated that Gumi’s complicity in northern insecurity is well known, noting that his actions have contributed to the region’s dire state of insecurity.
Ejiofor said, “My attention has been drawn to an absurd statement by the prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, widely reported across online and print media. In his latest opinion, Sheikh Gumi proposed that the government should arm Igbo youths to counter IPOB, a suggestion that is both divisive and inflammatory.
“It is well-known that Sheikh Gumi, driven by a questionable obsession with monetary benefits, has played a significant role in exacerbating terrorism and banditry across Northern Nigeria. His actions have contributed to the region’s dire state of insecurity.
“Defender of Enemies of the State – Gumi has gained notoriety for his defence of individuals and groups waging violent campaigns against Nigeria. Despite his open affiliations with such elements, he remains untouched, enjoying a troubling level of immunity.
“Gumi’s accomplices under investigation – One of Gumi’s emissaries is currently in the custody of the State Security Service for his role in promoting banditry. It is difficult to ignore the likelihood that Sheikh Gumi covertly enables such activities while acting as their chief negotiator. Misguided advice on arming the South-East: Sheikh Gumi’s inability to address the rampant terrorism and insecurity in his region makes his advice to arm youths in the South-East, not only hypocritical but also dangerous.
“Manipulating the narrative against the South-East: It is clear that the criminal activities in the South-East are not the work of IPOB but rather, opportunistic criminals masquerading as freedom fighters. Sheikh Gumi’s suggestion would only serve to pit Igbo people against one another, plunging the region into chaos.”
According to Ejiofor, IPOB has repeatedly distanced itself from these criminal elements and, in its recent press release, even offered to collaborate with local security outfits to eliminate such threats.
He insisted that the ultimate goal of Sheikh Gumi appears to be the destabilisation of Igbo land, creating a scenario where brothers turn against brothers, resulting in needless bloodshed and destruction.
“Despite the political conspiracies against the Igbos, the most marginalised ethnic group in Nigeria, we have resolved to take our destiny into our own hands. Together, we will fight the real intruders who wreak havoc on our land.
“Let it be clear, Sheikh Gumi’s divisive mission is dead on arrival. The Igbo people have learned their lessons through hard and painful experiences and will not fall for such manipulative tactics”, the statement added.
