Abuja, Nigeria – Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a former Nigerian army captain, has issued an urgent appeal to the Nigerian federal government, headed by President Bola Tinbo. He called for a halt to all forms of military cooperation with the United States, warning that recent US airstrikes pose a serious threat to national sovereignty and civil peace.
A critique of “moral authority” and foreign intervention
In a strongly worded statement posted on his official Facebook page, Gumi asserted that the fight against terrorism must be conducted with “clean hands.” He argued that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead these efforts given its globally controversial military record.
Gumi highlighted several points in his criticism of the American intervention.
The danger of sectarian polarization: He warned that using the pretext of “protecting Christians” as a reason for military intervention could lead to a sharp religious division within Nigeria.
Turning Nigeria into a theater of war: He believed that the American presence would attract forces hostile to Washington to Nigerian soil, thus transforming the country into an arena for international conflicts.
Hidden motives: Gomi questioned the seriousness of the American strikes, saying: “Terrorists are not really fighting terrorists, but may kill innocent people to achieve hidden political agendas.”
Available alternatives and ground forces
Sheikh Gumi stressed that airstrikes alone would not end terrorism. He asserted that Nigeria possessed sufficient ground forces to accomplish the mission if properly organized, without relying on Western powers.
Regarding international alternatives, Gumi said: “If Nigeria really needs military and technical assistance, countries like China, Turkey and Pakistan can do the job more effectively. They can also respect national sovereignty.”
Warning against the enmity of neighbors
Gomi concluded his statement with a political principle, warning the government against becoming entangled in alliances that could antagonize neighboring countries. He emphasized that “no country should allow its territory to become a battleground, or make its neighbors its enemies” as a result of its subservience to American policies.
These statements further exacerbate the division in Nigerian society between those who support Trump’s airstrikes against ISIS and those who see them as a gateway to endless interference in the country’s internal affairs.
