CLERIC AHMED GUMI PERCEPTION OF PEACE WITH TERRORISTS: GUMI’S IDEOLOGY OF “WE ARE PART OF THEM AND THEY ARE PART OF US,” AS LITERALLY STATED, AMIDST THE INFLICTIONS OF SEVERE INSECURITIES IN NORTHERN AND MIDDLE PLAINS OF NIGERIA.

Prof. Sunday C. Enubuzor, Ph.D.

Ahmed Gumi’s, a Nigerian Islamic cleric, has been known for his efforts to negotiate with Boko Haram, aiming to bring an end to violence. His ideology seems to be centered around finding common ground with various groups, including those involved in terrorism, to promote peace. His statement “we are part of them and they are part of us” suggests he’s advocating for understanding and unity.

However, Ahmed Gumi’s approach to peace with terrorists in Nigeria is pretty complex and has sparked a lot of debate. He’s an Islamic cleric who’s advocated for negotiating with bandits and terrorists, believing that dialogue can lead to peace. Gumi has met with bandit leaders and urged them to lay down arms, citing the example of the Niger Delta militants who were granted amnesty.

Gumi’s ideology seems rooted in Islamic principles of mediation and reconciliation. He believes that military force hasn’t worked and that dialogue is the way forward. Wherefore, critics argue that his approach legitimizes criminals and emboldens them, pointing to the fact that banditry has continued despite his efforts.

Though, some of Gumi’s statements have been particularly contentious, like when he said that kidnapping children is a “lesser evil” than killing soldiers, implying that negotiating for their release is a viable option. This has led to calls for his arrest, which he dismisses as politically motivated.

Overall, Gumi’s perception of peace involves recognizing the humanity of those involved in terrorism and seeking common ground through dialogue. While his intentions might be good, the effectiveness of his approach is widely debateable.

As envisaged, Gumi’s approach is definitely controversial. On one hand, he’s trying to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, which is commendable. His efforts to negotiate with bandits and terrorists have led to some releases of hostages.
However, on the other hand, critics argue that his approach might be seen as legitimizing criminals, potentially emboldening them.

Hitherto, in a country like Nigeria, where terrorism and banditry are complex issues, it’s tough to say what works best. Military force. in the past, hasn’t been very effective, so maybe dialogue is worth exploring. But then, there’s the risk of being seen as soft on crime.

In summary, Gumi’s approach focuses on dialogue and recognizing the humanity of terrorists, aiming for peaceful resolution. However, results show terrorists haven’t laid down arms as hoped. Thus, some of the reasons, no clear repercussions by the Nigeria Government for the terrorist and bandits not negotiating in good faith. Terrorists’ and bandits often seek more than just representation due to personal aggrandizement; they might also be using negotiations tactically for their personal gains. Multiple factions of both the terorists and bandits employ with their different demands, as such, make unified dialogue tough. Hitherto, some may argue that Gumi’s approach might embolden terrorists, and thus, making them see dialogue as a win without real concessions.

Nigeria can definitely explore the hybrid or alternative approach, which is, combining military operations with dialogue efforts in some regions. Peace Experts had suggested that a balance hybrid approach could help stabilize regions like Sokoto and Bauchi States.

Wherefore, the hybrid approach which involves a carrot and a stick approach, that entails the government and its’ international cohort like the US and/or Turkey military to possibly employ
targeted military actions against specific terrorists and bandits threats, while dialogue and negotiations with groups that are willing to talk, in addressing the possible root causes of their greviances which may entail poverty, unemployment, and lack of representation.

These above alleged possible greviance that are within the purview of transperent and accountable leaderships in States Government in fullfiling the immidiate and essential needs of their constituents. However, these States Government Citizens ABUSES and CORRUPTIONS doesn’t give any selfish groups the impetus to bear arms in terrorizing and kidnapping their fellow innocent citizens, who are also, struggling for their daily subsistance and existence, as they were.