Dare Babalola
Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, is standing firm on his stance that dialogue is the way forward in resolving Nigeria’s banditry crisis, insisting that only negotiations with the perpetrators can yield results.
Posting on his Facebook page on Saturday, Gumi noted that negotiations worked with Niger Delta militants in the past, hence should not be jettisoned by the government.
The controversial Islamic scholar said it’s war that doesn’t work.
He pointed out that the military is still fighting Boko Haram and bandits without any signed of ending.
According to Gumi, “They say: negotiations doesn’t work. It’s a lie. It worked with militants in Niger Delta creeks. Rather, it’s war that doesn’t work, 16 years we’re still fighting BH and 11 years fighting bandits. It’s stupidity doing the same thing and expect different results.
“The vicious cycle of violence erupts when they hate, and you hate, they demonize, and you demonize, they go violent, and you go violent.
“To break it, we all have to learn conflict resolution based on negotiation and compromise. The approach must be based on intellectual, faith-based, and moral rejection of violence.”
Sheikh Gumi has been a vocal advocate for dialogue with bandits and insurgents, consistently calling for negotiations to bring an end to the violence plaguing Nigeria. The cleric believes that talking to the perpetrators, including Boko Haram members, is a viable path to peace, emphasizing that military action alone hasn’t yielded the desired results.
Gumi’s stance has sparked debate, with some backing his approach and others questioning its effectiveness. Undeterred, the Sheikh insists that understanding the root causes of the conflict and addressing the grievances of the affected communities is key to lasting peace. His efforts have led to the release of several kidnapped individuals, showcasing the potential of dialogue in resolving conflicts.
