Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has stirred the national conversation on security and reconciliation by declaring his willingness to support a pardon for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), should Kanu demonstrate genuine remorse and publicly commit to peace.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, Gumi addressed the ongoing challenges of insecurity across Nigeria, emphasizing dialogue and reconciliation over military action as the path to lasting stability. He recalled Kanu’s conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja on seven counts of terrorism, which included inciting attacks on security personnel, and stressed that remorse could pave the way for clemency.
“This Kanu that was imprisoned for terrorism for agitating that our soldiers should be killed, if this same Kanu now will show remorse and also call for peace, honestly, I will be in the forefront in calling for his pardon and amnesty for him,” Gumi stated. He drew historical parallels, noting that past Nigerian leaders had granted amnesty in sensitive situations: “Look, Shagari, our president, we are from the same town. Shagari gave amnesty to Ojukwu. Look at Umar Yar’Adua; he gave amnesty to the Niger Delta militants, who have also committed acts of terrorism. So, this is how we are.”
Beyond the potential pardon, Gumi reiterated his long-standing belief that Nigeria’s approach to insecurity, particularly in the northern region, should prioritize non-kinetic strategies. He argued that dialogue, engagement, and reconciliation are more effective than force alone. “We have people who are ready to put down their arms, then why do you always decide it has to be kinetic?” he asked. He cited the limitations of military force in global conflicts, pointing to Afghanistan and Israel as examples where even the most advanced armies struggled to succeed against guerrilla tactics.
Gumi also highlighted ongoing calls for peace from groups like the Fulani herdsmen, emphasizing that when approached with dialogue, they often respond positively—even if armed. He extended this perspective to other groups, including IPOB and Boko Haram, noting that previous peace efforts had seen cooperation, though sustaining such dialogues remains challenging. “Anybody who inclines to peace, I’m with him, I’m telling you,” he affirmed.
By advocating for a blend of accountability, remorse, and dialogue, Sheikh Gumi is positioning himself at the forefront of Nigeria’s debate on reconciliation, suggesting that a careful, humane approach could pave the way for national healing while reducing violence and fostering stability.