Politics
Islamophobia shaping South-West Politics – Gumi
A prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has alleged that Islamophobia is influencing political developments in Nigeria’s South-West region, claiming that he was unfairly drawn into local political controversies during a recent visit to Ibadan.
Gumi’s remark came amid the controversy surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren.
Reports had claimed that the kidnappers allegedly demanding the implementation of Shari’ah, among other conditions, for releasing the pupils.
However, human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), dismissed the claim, describing it as ‘a lie from the pit of Jahannam’.
MURIC argued that the so-called demand was inserted by enemies of Islam in the negotiation team to tarnish the image of Islam.
The organization’s position was later reinforced by Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a video, Alamu refuted reports that her abductors demanded the entrenchment of Shari’a law in exchange for their release.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, the cleric said he attended the event in Ibadan, Oyo State capital as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama and not at the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group.
“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” he said.
Clarifying the purpose of his visit, he stated: “I was in Ibadan not by the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama.”
He questioned attempts to politicise his presence in the state, asking: “Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”
Describing the reactions to his visit as surprising, the cleric added: “It’s strange how some people think!”
He further alleged that the controversy surrounding his visit was being orchestrated to deepen divisions within the country.
“I believe the whole saga is tele-guided by both foreign and local interests to promote a narrative and polarise the country,” he said.
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