Nigerian Army Says Sheik Gumi Says A Lot Of Nonsense

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Army has described as unfortunate, a  statement credited to an Islamic Cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, urging opinion leaders to demonstrate patriotism in building peace, rather than being agents of destabilisation, thereby aggravating the current security challenges facing the nation.

Sheik Gumi had, during a television interview on Wednesday, alleged that the Nigerian military was colluding with marauding bandits who have been responsible for various crimes and atrocities against Nigerians and the Nigerian state.

In a statement, signed by the Director, Army Public Relations,  Brig-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army maintained that it has been neutral and remained committed to the unity of the country.

“The Nigerian Army remains a bona fide symbol of national unity that has conducted its constitutional responsibilities in the most professional manner in line with global best practices of adherence to the rules of engagement and protection of the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.

“The sweeping allegation peddled by the scholar is not only sad and unfortunate, but a calculated attempt to denigrate the Nigerian military and undermine the sacrifices of our patriotic troops, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability across the country.”

“While the NA will not attempt to excuse the possibility of black sheep amongst its fold, it must be stated unambiguously that it will not condone any form of sabotage or aiding and assisting the enemy by any personnel, as provisions for dealing decisively with such acts are crystallised in Section 45 (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“It must also be pointed out that while the military is very much receptive to constructive criticism, it should not be perceived as a gateway for derogatory comments that have the potential to embolden criminals.

“It is also necessary to reiterate that patriotism must be taken to a trajectory where subversive conversations on the state are brought to the barest minimum.

“Opinion leaders are enjoined to demonstrate patriotism in building the peace, rather than being agents of destabilisation, thereby aggravating the current security challenges facing the nation.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to reassure law abiding citizens, that troops will continue to conduct themselves professionally in consonance with the code of conduct guiding our operations in all combat engagements, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and global best practice.”

Gumi, a self-appointed mediator and negotiator between bandits, parents and Governments, have been making, especially, recently, very many controversial statements on the state of the Nation’s security problems.

Nobody has, surprisingly, called him to order.