Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Gumi Condemns Religious Leaders For Discouraging Protests Against Tinubu Govt
Sheikh Gumi criticised the lack of vocal opposition from influential figures, saying, “There are no elderly clerics, associations, groups, or persons who speak about the wrongdoings the country is experiencing. The country is just full of abnormalities.”
A controversial Northern Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has voiced grave concerns about Nigeria’s current state, highlighting divine intervention and youth activism as potential catalysts for societal change.
Sheikh Gumi criticised the lack of vocal opposition from influential figures, saying, “There are no elderly clerics, associations, groups, or persons who speak about the wrongdoings the country is experiencing. The country is just full of abnormalities.”
He warned of unchecked governmental actions due to this silence.
“So because of this, the government will do what they wish to do without the masses’ consent, and no one will be there to say no,” he said, stressing a lack of accountability and public oversight.
Gumi prophesied a form of divine intervention through youth activism.
“God has sent some group of children to cause chaos to some of the government policies, not to destroy anything but to get the government into their right senses,” suggesting youth-led movements will challenge existing norms and demand reforms.
Highlighting suppression of dissent, Gumi remarked on repercussions recently faced by a sitting senator from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for voicing out concerns about government policies.
“No one can talk about bad government in Nigeria,” he said.
He further warned of potential confrontations between authorities and youthful protesters, saying, “God now sends some children against them, and they can’t arrest the children because the children are many.”
Gumi also criticised religious leaders for stifling legitimate protests.
“Instead of clerics to say let the children who are ready for protest go about it in an orderly and peaceful manner, they are busy bringing religion into it that protest is prohibited,” he said, urging religious figures to support peaceful activism rather than hinder it.
There are moves to protest against the current hardship and President Bola Tinubu-led government policies in August but some clerics have been discouraging it.