Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has said those who call for his arrest for meeting with terrorists are spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people.

According to him, his calls for the terrorists to lay down their arms and for the government to provide amenities to them don't warrant calls for his arrest.

This was as he revealed that his meetings with the terrorists don't go without the knowledge of those in authority, especially the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Sheikh Gumi shared on Facebook, "ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter in the face of a courageous effort by many patriotic citizens to curb the insecurity that bedevils our nation.

"For instance, in January 2021, I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muri. This meeting was part of a peace initiative where we preached to over 600 bandits and their commanders, who agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for security and basic amenities.

"The Purpose of the meeting was an effort to de-escalate violence by having bandits surrender their weapons and embrace peace.
The parley included me, Police Commissioner Umar Muri (representing the Inspector-General of Police), and over 600 bandits and their commanders.

"The Outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms. They presented conditions to the government for peace, such as providing basic amenities and ending arbitrary arrests. None fulfilled.

"So, what is there to arrest for? For calling them to lay arms or amenities for them, or to educate the nation on their side of the story?
And who will do the arrest?

"Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right? Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?
Come on, Nigerians can do better than that.

"May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions."

ASA