The Northern Elders, under the aegis of the North-East Consolidated Peoples Forum (NCPF), have disassociated themselves from Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, over his attacks on President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.
The Forum, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said Sheikh Gumi’s vituperation was divisive and unhealthy for the nation.
“Gumi’s attacks were unprovoked, malicious, inciting, and a deliberate misinterpretation of our history,” Alhaji Abba Liman, spokesperson of the group, added while quoting the elders.
The statement partly reads, We totally condemn such unprovoked divisive statements from a divisive element who is seeking to destabilize the peace and unity of our dear country, Nigeria, for selfish reasons.
“The utterance is toxic, and it should not be accepted by any decent and sound-minded person who loves peace and our Nigeria”.
“The constitution of the federal public of Nigeria gives power and right to any Nigerian, irrespective of tribes, religion, or political affiliation, to be appointed to any position of power as long as that person operates within the limits of our law.
“What Nigeria needs now is a consolidation of its peace, unity, and progress.
“We caution profiteers of religious fundamentalism and ethnicity, as well as agents of destabilization and instability, to desist henceforth.
“We therefore stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief (Barr) Nyesom Wike. We indeed stand with Nigeria and, of course, the Nigerian constitution for a better governance system for all Nigerians.”
It would be recalled that Sheik Gumi had attacked and condemned the appointment of Wike, who is a southerner and Christian, as FCT Minister, saying his appointment does not represent the interests of Northern Muslims.
He also attacked President Tinubu, alleging that the President had excluded the North from the secure architecture of the country.
