Sheikh Gumi Slams Federal Lawmaker’s Proposal To Execute Repentant Terrorists

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticized a proposal by federal lawmaker Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to execute so-called repentant terrorists and criminals rather than rehabilitate them.

Gagdi, who represents the Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the House of Representatives, made the proposal during a recent plenary session.

“I’m urging government to stop rehabilitation and arrest of killers and criminals,” Gagdi said.

When asked what the government should do, he responded, “To kill them. He who kills should be killed. Anybody who kills should be killed unless it’s a motor accident. Our law is explicit.”

Gagdi added, “If you kill by coming to innocent citizens’ houses, kidnapping them, taking them into the bush and subjecting them to serious torture, before taking their lives, you don’t deserve one second of survival.”

Reacting in a Facebook post on Friday, Sheikh Gumi rejected the proposal.

He noted that killing repentant terrorists contravene international and religious laws.

The cleric further said emotions should have no place in war or counterterrorism efforts.

“Killing repentant Insurgents and secessionists is against religious and international law. So also prisoners of war. ICC is listening if you don’t fear Allah,” Gumi said.

“Where is morality? It’s the same logic terrorists employ to kill all others besides them. Emotions don’t win a war,” he added.

Gumi’s remarks come amid continued debate over Nigeria’s de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programme for repentant insurgents, which has drawn criticism from victims of terrorism and some lawmakers.