The Nigerian Army on Monday warned popular Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi to desist from making statements that could cause division among soldiers.
The warning came after the army’s attention was drawn to a viral video where the Islamic scholar “was caught saying that non-Muslim soldiers were responsible for the attacks against bandits.”
According to the army, Gumi was seen telling the bandits that the soldiers involved in most attacks against them were non-Muslims, noting that “they should be aware that soldiers are divided into Muslims and non-Muslims.”
The Islamic scholar had in recent times canvassed for amnesty for bandits, who have been involved in kidnappings of students in the north, attracting backlashes from the public for his involvement in discussions with the bandits.
In a statement signed by Director, Army Public Relations, Mohammed Yerima, the army noted that soldiers need support at this time and not comments that can stir division.
The statement added: “While the Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with the respected Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, it is, however, important to restate that the Nigerian Army as national institution, does not deploy its troops along ethnic or religious lines.
“Therefore, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other opinion merchants are please enjoined to exercise restraint not to drag the image and reputation of one of the most reliable national institutions to disrepute.
“The Nigerian Army remains the pride of the nation and has continually defended the territorial integrity of this great nation. Comments suggesting to mudslide the image and reputation of the Nigerian Army are not only inimical but tended towards creating bad blood amongst Nigerians.
“Furthermore, most operations conducted by the Nigerian Army were done in strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry without any exception. It is therefore, disturbing that an opinion leader would deliberately want to disparage the Nigerian Army to portray it in bad light.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to seize this opportunity to advise opinion leaders to be more courteous while expressing their views, taking into cognisance the imperative for national security, particularly at this difficult times when our gallant troops have redoubled their efforts to tackle the myriads of security challenges facing our dear nation. What our troops need now is public support to discharge their responsibility effectively and in the most professional manner.”
