Following reports of US bombings, Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi has urged the Federal Government to immediately seize all military collaborations with the United States.
Gumi said that US intervention may exacerbate Nigeria’s security issues and jeopardise its sovereignty.
In a statement that was shared on his Facebook page on Friday, Gumi made the request.
Sheikh Gumi argued that although Islam allows the battle against terrorism, only “clean hands” should carry out such operations, claiming that the United States lacks the moral legitimacy to spearhead such initiatives due to its military record around the world.
The cleric insisted that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions frequently end in civilian losses and covert political motivations. He claimed that Nigeria erred by allowing foreign forces to participate in its counterterrorism operations.
Gumi said that making Nigeria a theatre of war would draw anti-US elements and further destabilise the nation.
Additionally, he warned that US intervention could polarise the nation along religious lines, especially if it is claimed to be safeguarding Christians.
Sheikh Gumi went on to say that effective counterterrorism required strong ground operations, which Nigeria has adequate personnel to carry out if properly structured, and that airstrikes alone cannot destroy terrorists.
“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies.
“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” part of his statement read.
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