Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has explained why he may support armed groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Boko Haram and bandits operating in Nigeria, saying his backing would depend on their willingness to abandon violence and embrace dialogue.

Gumi made the remarks during an interview with DRTV, where he stressed that negotiations with the federal government could help resolve the country’s persistent security challenges.

According to him, he would be willing to support the groups if they agreed to lay down their arms and participate in peaceful discussions with the Nigerian authorities.

“Dialogue can bring peace, and we are men of peace. Even IPOB, which was once into secession, if they are ready to put down their arms and come to a roundtable to discuss, I’m ready and would support them. All we don’t want is violence,” Gumi said.

He emphasised that negotiation remains one of the most effective ways to resolve conflicts and restore stability across the country.

Gumi also advocated a balanced approach to tackling insecurity, combining military action with non-kinetic strategies such as dialogue and intellectual engagement.

“What we are saying is, what is the way out of insecurity? Let’s bring intellectuals to speak. What are the experts saying now in dealing with the situation in Nigeria?” he asked.

The cleric further blamed Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges for worsening insecurity, citing poor infrastructure and weak social services.

“Look at the road network; it is terribly bad. Electricity is erratic and very expensive. Don’t talk about healthcare. Anybody who has anything, even our rich men, when sick with a headache fly abroad. Don’t talk about education, so what is working here?” he said. (TRIBUNE)

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