Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi has been invited by the Federal Government of Nigeria over his comments on the activities of bandits and agents of destabilization in the country.
This was made known on Monday by the Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris while addressing journalists at the State House, Abuja.
Speaking, Idris said Gumi is not above the law, noting that the government has deemed it right to invite him for questioning at this time.
“I am ready to lead a holistic dialogue between the government and bandits. It is my religious duty to do so for peace,” said Gumi after the abduction of about 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State less than two weeks ago.
Comments like this have put him in the spotlight over the years as someone who probably has an affiliation with banditry.
Some groups have also called on security agencies to arrest Gumi over what they described as the cleric’s alleged ties with terrorist groups.
Speaking further, the information minister said the security agencies will do what they are recruited for if they feel that the statements made by Gumi are “reckless”.
“The government will stop at nothing to get any kind of information that is required to solve our problems. The security agencies are up and doing,” Idris said.
“Sheik Gumi and any other individual are not above the law, if he has suggestions that are good enough and that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take.
“But if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded.
“There is nobody above the law. Let me put it here. And I’m aware that he has also been a guest of security agencies to answer questions.
“When you make remarks, especially those that border on our national security it is incumbent on our national security to think further, and they are doing just that, no one is above the law.”