Prominent public affairs analyst and civic advocate, Chief Edet Isong, has strongly condemned recent comments credited to Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on alleged United States military strikes, describing the remarks as dangerous, divisive, and capable of undermining Nigeria’s national security and unity.
Reacting to Gumi’s claims that US involvement in Nigeria represents a “neo-Crusade against Islam” and that terrorism in the country is “manufactured,” Chief Isong questioned why such incendiary and unverified assertions are repeatedly made without consequences.
“Is Sheikh Gumi above the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?” Isong asked.
“No individual, regardless of status, should be allowed to make statements that embolden terrorists, discredit our armed forces, and portray Nigeria as a playground for global conspiracies.”
Chief Isong faulted Gumi’s call for Nigeria to halt military cooperation with the United States, warning that such rhetoric plays directly into the hands of insurgents and erodes international partnerships critical to intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and national defense.
According to him, framing terrorism as a staged drama or foreign conspiracy trivializes the pain of victims, including thousands of Nigerians—Muslims and Christians alike—who have lost their lives to insurgency, banditry, and extremism.
“Terrorism has no religion. Bombs do not ask for faith before killing. To suggest otherwise is reckless and inflammatory,” Isong stated.
He further criticized the suggestion that attacks in predominantly Muslim areas were symbolic or staged, describing it as an insult to affected communities and security personnel who risk their lives daily.
Chief Isong called on relevant security and regulatory agencies to urgently investigate the statements, stressing that freedom of speech does not include the freedom to justify terror, incite suspicion between religions, or delegitimize the Nigerian state.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation. We can debate policies, but we must not tolerate narratives that polarize our people, weaken morale, and give propaganda victories to terrorists,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, reject divisive rhetoric, and support lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability across the country.