In a fiery rebuttal to a controversial proposal by Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, prominent legal counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor (KSC), has condemned the Islamic cleric’s suggestion that the Nigerian government arm Igbo youths to counter IPOB. Ejiofor described the proposal as “malicious, misguided, divisive, and inflammatory,” accusing Gumi of harboring ulterior motives aimed at destabilizing the Southeast region.
Ejiofor made these assertions in a statement released to journalists in Abuja on Monday, where he characterized Gumi’s remarks as not only hypocritical but also a calculated attempt to inflame tensions in an already fragile nation.
Ejiofor accused Sheikh Gumi of being complicit in the escalating insecurity in Northern Nigeria, pointing out his consistent defense of individuals and groups perpetrating acts of violence in the region. He further claimed that Gumi’s “questionable obsession with monetary benefits” has worsened the spread of terrorism and banditry across the North.
“Gumi has, over time, gained notoriety for openly defending and negotiating on behalf of terrorists and bandits, yet he continues to enjoy immunity from scrutiny and prosecution,” Ejiofor noted, adding that the cleric’s affiliations with criminal elements are deeply troubling.
Ejiofor also revealed that one of Gumi’s emissaries is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged involvement in activities promoting banditry, further bolstering his argument that Gumi covertly supports these destabilizing forces while masquerading as a mediator.
Addressing Gumi’s suggestion to arm Igbo youths against IPOB, Ejiofor minced no words in calling it “hypocritical, dangerous, and highly inflammatory.” He argued that the cleric’s inability to resolve the terrorism plaguing Northern Nigeria renders his advice on issues concerning the Southeast insincere and counterproductive.
“It is noteworthy that IPOB has consistently denounced criminal activities and distanced itself from criminal elements. In its recent press release, IPOB even expressed readiness to collaborate with local security outfits to eliminate threats to peace in Igbo land,” Ejiofor emphasized.
He added that Gumi’s proposal appears to be part of a hidden agenda, aimed at turning Igbo youths against one another in a bid to create chaos and destruction in the region. “His ultimate goal seems to be the destabilization of Igbo land, fomenting a situation where brothers turn against brothers, leading to needless bloodshed,” Ejiofor stated.
Ejiofor urged the Igbo people to remain united and vigilant, rejecting external influences that seek to exploit existing challenges for selfish purposes. He highlighted that despite being one of the most politically marginalized ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Igbo have resolved to “take their destiny into their own hands” by confronting real threats and rejecting divisive agendas.
“The political conspiracies against Ndigbo are evident, but we have resolved to work together in solidarity to defend our homeland against intruders and perpetrators of violence,” he declared.
Ejiofor’s statement concluded with a strong call for accountability, urging relevant authorities to critically examine Gumi’s role in the nation’s ongoing insecurity crisis. He questioned why an individual with such controversial ties continues to evade meaningful scrutiny, calling on the government to take decisive action against those who embolden and enable criminal elements under the guise of peace advocacy.
The controversy surrounding Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s proposal has once again highlighted the deep-seated tensions and complexities in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. Ejiofor’s passionate denunciation reflects growing concerns over the role of individuals and groups who, rather than fostering unity, exploit regional challenges to further divide an already polarized nation.
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