By Abdulmumin Giwa
The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared that the Kaduna-based controversial cleric, Shaikh Ahmad Gumi is not above the laws of the land.
This was stated by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris while addressing newsmen on statements attributed to the cleric at the State House on Monday.
The Minister said the Federal Government has taken a firm stance regarding the Islamic cleric, saying he has already been invited for questioning over the spate of Kidnapping in the North.
Social media reports have shown comments attributed to the cleric condemning a list recently released by the authorities naming those funding terrorist activities in the country that include his media aide Tukur Mamu who has spent several months in detention with the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Sheikh insisted that terrorists fund their activities themselves using ransome monies they collect when they kidnap innocent citizens.
The Sheikh then offered to be an intermediary between the terrorist and the Nigerian government while also calling on government to address their plight as means of peacefully resolving the crime.
Following these statements and others on the 137 pupils and teachers that were kidnapped in Kaduna State, the minister said the government has deemed it necessary to invite him for questioning.
Gumi’s offer to negotiate with the terrorists might be responsible for the abductions has raised concerns by Nigerians questioning why he has not been invited for interrogation.
Idris, while speaking with State House correspondents on Monday, in Abuja reiterated that Gumi was not above the law and must be held accountable for his actions and statements.
“Government will stop at nothing to get any kind of information that is required to solve our problems, the security agencies are up and doing” he declared.