Gumi To FG: Adopt Pakistan-style Instead Of Impractical Western Slogan Of Not Negotiating With Terrorists

By Akanni Toba

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to change tack in its approach to fighting terrorism in the country.

Gumi said the Pakistan-style of dialogue with the insurgents will be more productive and rewarding than relying on the Western slogan of “not negotiating with terrorists” which he described as impractical.

The Islamic cleric made this claim on his verified X handle, stressing that the Western style does not reflect the peculiarities and realities of the kind of challenges confronting Nigeria.

Gumi made the comments while stressing that insecurity in Nigeria would persist if the nation’s borders remain weak and difficult to police.

He said: “Conversely, when the government intensifies its military response, civilians frequently suffer as collateral damage. Thus, the same group ends up bearing the consequences from both sides.”

Clarifying the “Pakistan-style”, the cleric noted that it prioritizes intervention of an independent mediator capable of opening dialogue channels and easing tensions over intransigent and combative stance.

He added, “We should not be misled by the Western slogan, ‘We don’t negotiate with terrorists.’

“In practice, negotiations do occur. Even now, engagement is happening with Iran, labeled by some as part of an ‘axis of evil,’ while Iran, in turn, views the United States as its greatest adversary.”