The Federal Government said it has taken a firm stance regarding Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, saying he is not above the law and has already been invited for questioning over the spate of Kidnapping in the North.
Following statements credited to Sheikh Gumi in relation to the recent abduction of over 137 pupils and teachers in Kaduna State, the minister said the government has deemed it necessary to invite him for questioning.
Gumi’s offer to negotiate with the terrorists responsible for the abductions has raised concerns by Nigerians questioning why he has not been invited for interrogation.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while speaking with State House correspondents on Monday, highlighted that Gumi was not above the law and must be held accountable for his actions and statements.
The minister said: “Government will stop at nothing to get any kind of information that is required to solve our problems, the security agencies are up and doing.
“Sheik Gumi or any other individuals are not above the law, if he has suggestions that are good enough and that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take but if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded
“There is nobody that is above the law. Let me put it here. And I’m aware that he (Gumi) has been also a guest of security agencies to answer questions.
“When you make remarks especially remarks that border on our national security, it is incumbent on our national security to think further and they are doing just that, no one is above the law.”