Release Col Dasuki, El-Zakzaky now, Sheikh Gumi tells Buhari

Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi has advised the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government on what to do about detained former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki and the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

He lamented their continued incarceration and the unnecessary technicalities being deployed in their cases. Sheikh Gumi said that there was no point detaining particularly Col. Dasuki any longer since several courts including that of ECOWAS have ordered his release. He said the nation needs peace as such there’s no need of creating more tension or unnecessary security problems by the continued detention of the ailing El-Zakzaky.

The revered scholar of Islamic jurisprudence also called on the Federal Government to avoid unnecessary confrontation with members of IMN, popularly called Shiites, but instead negotiate with the group.

Sheikh Gumi said these on Saturday while closing this year’s Tafsir Lecture at Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna State.

He said, “Here in Nigeria, I will like the government to look into the case of Colonel Sambo Dasuki and release him with immediate effect so also the Leader of shiites, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.

“They are not holding him ( Zakzaky) because he is Shi’ite. They should release and negotiate with him. Government should understand that it’s not right to disobey court orders.

“The government must lead by example by releasing them especially Colonel Sambo Dasuki.”

Gumi also called on all elected leaders to be sensitive and respond promptly to the needs and aspirations of the people.

He said the insecurity in Nigeria is alarming and called on the government to immediately arrest the situation. Gumi also lamented on the growing economic hardship in the country and called on total review of the present economic policies of the government to reflect modern realities.

The well attended closing ceremony which was covered by DESERT HERALD also featured award presentation by the late Sheikh Gumi institute to Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, immediate past deputy governor of Zamfara State, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, Prof. Rafindadi of the Ahmadu Bello University Medical College, Col. Iliyasu rtd and the Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Suleiman Adam for the individual contributions to the society, knowledge and Islam.