- Yekini Nabena expresses concerns about Sheikh Gumi’s divisive remarks targeting President Tinubu and Minister Nyesom Wike, fearing they may sow discord
- Nabena calls for responsible discourse and presidential intervention to maintain national unity during these critical times
Yekini Nabena, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Secretary of the APC National Campaign Council for the Bayelsa State governorship election on November 11, has expressed concerns over the recent remarks made by popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi. Gumi’s comments, which targeted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, have raised alarm bells about their potential to sow chaos and further division within the country.
In a widely circulated video, Sheikh Gumi declared that President Tinubu would not secure a second term in office, asserting that the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket had garnered support from hypocrites and individuals with questionable integrity. Additionally, Gumi alleged that although Northerners held key positions in the defense ministry, the command control rested with Southerners. He further criticized Nyesom Wike for hosting the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, labeling him as “satanic.”
Responding to Gumi’s statements, Yekini Nabena issued a statement on Sunday, condemning the cleric’s actions and emphasizing that “the people of the Niger Delta and Southerners, in general, will no longer stand idly by as individuals like Sheikh Gumi disrespect them, regardless of their political or religious affiliations.”
Nabena’s statement continued, “My intervention in response to the recent controversial statement is not solely about FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; it pertains to the rights of the Niger Delta people and Southerners in general. At this juncture, we anticipate that all voices of reason will speak out, as the sense of entitlement exhibited by figures like Sheikh Gumi becomes increasingly divisive.”
He raised pertinent questions about the rationale behind individuals from the North holding positions that are naturally intended for the people of the Niger Delta and the South, highlighting the continued Northern leadership at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Nabena called on the presidency to intervene and counsel Sheikh Gumi and those who share his sentiments against making statements that could provoke disunity and foster a sense of entitlement. His concerns underscore the importance of responsible discourse in Nigeria, especially when national unity and cohesion are vital.