Bomba Dauda
Islamic cleric, Sheikh (Dr.) Ahmad Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi, has distanced himself from alleged statements and video clips suggesting that he supports or justifies banditry in Nigeria, describing such materials as fake, manipulated, and doctored.
Gumi made his position known in his Facebook account, he said he had noticed repeated misquotations in some of his media interviews, public lectures, and public engagements on issues relating to insecurity and banditry in the country.
He accused certain ethnic-interest groups, prejudiced individuals, and sectional internet content creators of twisting his comments and using sensational headlines to attract public attention at the expense of national suffering.
“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.
The cleric reaffirmed his loyalty to Nigeria, describing the country as a nation with unmatched potential.
He urged the public, media organisations, and security agencies to disregard what he called false narratives currently circulating online and elsewhere.
Gumi also warned that anyone who continues to circulate false information against him after the release of the statement would face legal action.
He further expressed hope for lasting peace in the country, praying for comfort for victims of violence and calling for collective efforts to tackle insecurity, poverty, ignorance, and social injustice.
