Toba Owojaiye reporting
In a resolute press statement, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has voiced its deep concerns regarding recent inflammatory statements made by Sheikh Ahmed Gumi. Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric known for advocating on behalf of herdsmen and facilitating ransom negotiations for kidnapped victims, has sparked outrage for his divisive rhetoric.
The MBF asserts that Gumi’s comments have far-reaching implications and highlights the urgency of unity in Nigeria’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic landscape.
The National President DR Pogu Bitrus said. “ It is crucial to clarify that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is an integral part of the Middle Belt. The Middle Belt Forum represents the diverse inhabitants of the Middle Belt, a region where people of different faiths – Christians, Muslims, and practitioners of traditional religions – coexist peacefully.”
The Middle Belt Forum firmly denounced any form of religious bigotry and underscores the need for a united Nigeria. It calls on the government and all relevant stakeholders to take decisive measures against divisive rhetoric that jeopardizes the country’s unity.
Dr Pogu Bitrus asserted that “ At a time when the government is grappling with the challenges posed by insurgent groups and bandits, divisive statements like those made by Sheikh Gumi threaten to ignite religious conflicts. The MBF emphasizes that every Nigerian, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, should have the opportunity to serve in public office.”
Sheikh Ahmed Gumi’s remarks have raised concerns due to their divisive nature. In the video clips, he questions the appointment of a Christian minister to the FCT, labeling the individual an “infidel.” Gumi further contends that the FCT belongs exclusively to the Muslim North, implying that a Muslim minister should exclusively hold the position.
The Middle Belt Forum clarified that the Federal Capital Territory is unequivocally part of the Middle Belt region, a culturally diverse area where people of various religious backgrounds live harmoniously. It was originally inhabited by the Gbagyi people before becoming the FCT, and thus Gumi’s claims of Muslim exclusivity are unfounded.
Furthermore, the MBF highlighted the significance of appointing public officials based on merit rather than religious or ethnic factors. It asserts that all Nigerians, regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliations, should have equal access to public office.
The MBF also reminds the public that divisive religious rhetoric only serves to threaten the nation’s unity.
The Middle Belt Forum conducted its statement by urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the religiously charged comments by Sheikh Gumi and prevent the escalation of ethnic and religious tensions. The MBF emphasizes the importance of conducting a credible electronic census to eliminate the tribal and religious acrimony often exploited by individuals like Gumi for advancing sectional interests.
In a time when the nation is combating insurgencies and criminal elements, unity is paramount, and religiously divisive comments must be condemned and countered to maintain Nigeria’s cohesion.