PANDEF slams Sheikh Gumi, calls for his arrest over ‘subversive’ comment 

PANDEF slams Sheikh Gumi, calls for his arrest over ‘subversive’ comment 

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Chief Edwin Clark, has strongly criticized Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi for his recent comments regarding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Sheikh Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric, had urged President Bola Tinubu to replace Nyesom Wike as the FCT Minister. He warned that unless this change took place, there would be a rift between him and the president.

PANDEF, in a statement released on Sunday, expressed its disapproval of Gumi’s stance. The group pointed out that the current priority for the country should be promoting peace and unity, rather than divisive actions.

The statement, signed by Dr. Ken Robinson, the National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF, read in part: “It is regrettable that individuals like Sheikh Gumi, who should be advocating for national stability, peace, and unity, are instead fanning the flames of discord. This is clearly intended to heighten tension in the country. It is disheartening that a cleric would involve himself in promoting division and hostility.”

PANDEF considered the call for the removal of Chief Nyesom Wike as FCT Minister, based on unfounded biases, as an indirect insult to the people of the Niger Delta region, especially the South-South Geopolitical Zone. The group emphasized that Abuja is the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, not a regional capital. Moreover, Abuja’s development was primarily funded by the oil and gas resources from the Niger Delta region, Nyesom Wike’s place of origin.

The statement also highlighted that for many years, Nigerians from various regions were encouraged to acquire and develop property in the FCT. The FCT Minister position should be open to individuals from all parts of the country.

It was noted that Nyesom Wike is only the second Southerner to hold the position in 47 years, with the first being Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun, who served during the military regime of General Obasanjo. All other past FCT Ministers have been from the northern region. This historical record was provided to put Gumi’s comments into perspective.

The statement concluded by commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his appointment of a Southerner as the FCT Minister after a long period dominated by northern ministers. PANDEF urged all patriots, particularly those from the northern region, to denounce Sheikh Gumi’s divisive remarks for the sake of national unity.

PANDEF questioned why the country’s security agencies had not taken action against Sheikh Gumi for his subversive comments. The group firmly stated that Nyesom Wike should be allowed to carry out his duties as FCT Minister without unwarranted distractions. The organization emphasized that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, and no region should be considered superior to another. Finally, PANDEF encouraged the FCT Minister to fulfill his responsibilities impartially for the benefit of all citizens, regardless of their religious, tribal, or political affiliations.