During this weekend’s SaharaTV broadcast,
which kicked off the platform's 2015 Nigerian
presidential election coverage, many of the most
critical discussions were centered around not
just the politics leading up to the contest, but
the incessant Boko Haram militancy in the
northern part of the country, a violence that has
seemingly intensified in recent weeks.
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, one of Nigeria’s top Islamic
clerics, known for his strong and often
controversial opinions, spoke to Sahara TV at
length about the insecurity crisis and its effect
on the political landscape in Nigeria.
Recently, Gumi was quoted as saying that he is
not a politician and does not have sympathy for
any of the political parties, but warns the two
main presidential candidates, President Jonathan
and Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) against
contesting in the presidential elections this year.
Regarding the Boko Haram menace in the north,
the cleric further acknowledged that it is a
problem of the northern region of the country
and more specifically the Muslim population.
“Kanuris, Fulanis and Hausas are the Boko
Haram," Gumi told SaharaTV. The government
initially thought it wass a northern problem, leave
them let them kill themselves.”
Gumi additionally suggested that Muslims in the
north sit down to tackle the issue, supported by
the government, and the government supported
by the international community.
“Coordination
between these three will lead to an end to Boko
Haram," he stated.
Also touching on the recent Charlie Hebdo
incident in France, which left many writers and
artists at the satirical magazine dead, Gumi
stated clearly that the Qur’an does not support
violence. “Leniency beautifies everything and
violence tarnishes everything," he said, quoting
the Prophet Muhammed. “The Qur’an does not
encourage anyone to pick arms and fight.”
Gumi however also said that people should not
hide behind freedom of speech to condemn other
people’s faith.
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