Sequel to the rising cases of banditry especially in Northern Nigeria, the federal government has taken a firm stance regarding the controve...
Sequel to the rising cases of banditry especially in Northern Nigeria, the federal government has taken a firm stance regarding the controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, saying he is not above the law.
Thus, the security agencies have already invited him for questioning over his utterances and stance on the matter.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Monday after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Following statements made by Sheikh Gumi concerning the abduction of over 280 pupils and teachers in Kaduna State, the minister said the government has deemed it necessary to invite him for questioning.
Gumi’s offer to negotiate with the terrorists responsible for the abductions had raised concerns, with Nigerians questioning why he had not been invited for interrogation.
The minister highlighted that Gumi is not above the law and must be held accountable for his actions and statements.
The minister said, “Government will stop at nothing to get any kind of information that is required to solve our problems; the security agencies are up and doing.
“Sheikh Gumi, or any other individual, is not above the law. If he has suggestions that are good enough and that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take but if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded.
“There is nobody that is above the law. Let me put it here. And I’m aware that he has also been a guest of security agencies to answer questions.
“When you make remarks, especially remarks that border on our national security, it is incumbent on our national security to think further and they are doing just that; no one is above the law.”
Federal government has reiterated that no ransom was paid to free the recently kidnapped students from Kuriga in Kaduna State.
“As promised by Mr. President, they have been rescued. No ransom was paid,” Idris stated. President Tinubu had recently vowed that the federal government would not pay any ransom to secure the release of abducted victims.
The information minister expressed President Tinubu’s gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, and all those who played crucial roles in securing the students’ release.
The minister further revealed that the President had charged security agencies to intensify efforts to halt the menace of kidnapping across the country.
He said, “Mr President and members of council were happy to note that as promised by Mr. President, these children were reunited or had been rescued from these captors and, as usual and in keeping with the commitment of Mr. President, no ransom was paid.
“Government is determined to ensure that the lives and property of all Nigerians are protected at all times and Mr. President has also charged security agencies to ensure that these kidnappings are brought to a halt finally in this country.
“Indeed, all those who are participating in this criminal act will be fished out by the security agencies and will never go unpunished.
“The President has also charged security agencies to make sure kidnappings are brought to a halt, and all the perpetrators of kidnapping will be fished out and punished,” Idris stated.
On the controversy concerning the correct number of abducted Kuriga pupils, school authorities had told the state government that a total of 287 students were kidnapped when motorcycle-riding gunmen invaded the remote Kuriga school on March 7.
However, Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani, told local media late Sunday that only 137 school children had been abducted during the attack.
Addressing doubts about the number of children kidnapped and released, the minister said: “On reports that 287 of these children were taken in, what I can tell you is that there is no report that any of these kidnap victims either died or has been withheld.
“So those that have been taken have been brought back safely to their families. I can tell you that.“
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