Gumi Is Constitutionally Entitled To Talk With Bandits -NSA

President Muhammadu Buhari's National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno on Thursday said popular Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi is constitutionally entitled to “talk” or “deal” with anyone in the country including bandits.

Monguno who spoke at a State House Briefing in Aso Villa, Abuja said Gumi is doing what he is doing because he believes in his approach.

Recall that Sheikh Gumi had been seen hobnobbing with bandits in the forests of Zamfara and Niger States recently. He had also asked the government to give “Blanket Amnesty” to the bandits whom he claimed were fighting an “ethnic war”.

The cleric had also reportedly told the bandits that Christian soldiers were the ones neutralizing them. The Nigerian Army subsequently warned the cleric against making divisive statements.

Many Nigerians including an aide of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, have also urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to summon and probe Gumi over his relationship with the bandits.

READ ALSO: Gumi Provides ‘Evidence’ Against Non-Muslim Soldiers

Monguno, who also said the government believes in two approaches - combative and dialogue to ending the war on insurgency and banditry, said he met with Gumi in Kaduna lately.

The NSA said, “Sheikh Gumi is doing what he is doing because he believes in what he is doing. He is a Nigerian. Under the constitution, he can talk with anybody, he can deal with anybody.

"I met with him (Gumi) when I went with the service chiefs to Kaduna. We spoke generally during the meeting and he resolved to help the government, we are waiting. That’s all I can say, we are waiting for him.”