SHEIKH AHMAD GUMI: CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS BOTH VICTIMS OF NIGERIA’S INSECURITY, URGES US TO RESPECT SOVEREIGNTY

Prominent Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has stated that Nigeria’s insecurity crisis affects both Christians and Muslims, dismissing narratives suggesting that only one religious group is being targeted.In a video shared by Trust TV, Gumi emphasized that violence and instability in the country cut across religious lines and should not be framed as a sectarian issue.Reflecting on Nigeria’s diplomatic history, he referenced the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), noting that Russia was among the first nations to support Nigeria during the conflict, while the United States backed the secessionist movement at the time.According to the cleric, it would be ironic for foreign powers to now attempt to influence or dictate Nigeria’s foreign policy direction. He argued that while Nigeria may accept international assistance, such support must not undermine the country’s sovereignty or decision-making independence.“I could remember during the Nigerian Civil War, Russians were the first people that came to our aide and helped us when America was helping the secessionists. So I think it is an irony now to say that our foreign policy is dictated from outside,” he said.His comments come amid ongoing debates about Nigeria’s security challenges, religious tensions, and the country’s global alliances.