During this weekend’s SaharaTV broadcast, which kicked off
the platform's 2015 Nigerian presidential election coverage, many of the most
critical discussions were centered around not just the politics leading up to
the contest, but the incessant Boko Haram militancy in the northern part of the
country, a violence that has seemingly intensified in recent weeks.
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, one of Nigeria’s top Islamic clerics,
known for his strong and often controversial opinions, spoke to Sahara TV at
length about the insecurity crisis and its effect on the political landscape in
Nigeria.
Recently, Gumi was quoted as saying that he is not a
politician and does not have sympathy for any of the political parties, but
warns the two main presidential candidates, President Jonathan and Gen.
Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) against contesting in the presidential elections this
year.
Regarding the Boko Haram menace in the north, the cleric
further acknowledged that it is a problem of the northern region of the country
and more specifically the Muslim population. “Kanuris, Fulanis and Hausas are
the Boko Haram," Gumi told SaharaTV. The government initially thought it
wass a northern problem, leave them let them kill themselves.”
Gumi additionally suggested that Muslims in the north sit
down to tackle the issue, supported by the government, and the government
supported by the international community. “Coordination between these three
will lead to an end to Boko Haram," he stated.
Also touching on the recent Charlie Hebdo incident in
France, which left many writers and artists at the satirical magazine dead,
Gumi stated clearly that the Qur’an does not support violence. “Leniency
beautifies everything and violence tarnishes everything," he said, quoting
the Prophet Muhammed. “The Qur’an does not encourage anyone to pick arms and
fight.”
Gumi however also said that people should not hide behind
freedom of speech to condemn other people’s faith.
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