Obasanjo met Boko Haram leaders, they agreed to lay down arms, govt reneged – Sheikh Gumi

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a controversial Islamic scholar, has alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo met with Boko Haram leaders in Maiduguri, Borno State, but the Nigerian government later reneged on its part of the negotiations. Gumi stated in a video that the terrorist group had promised to lay down their weapons during the meeting.

The Islamic scholar expressed concern over why the government negotiates with various groups such as the Taliban and Hamas, yet refuses to speak with Boko Haram. Gumi questioned why it has become a taboo to negotiate with Boko Haram, comparing Obasanjo's actions to those of other leaders.

Gumi recounted that Obasanjo had gone to Maiduguri at the early stage of Boko Haram and met with the leaders, who agreed to lay down their arms. However, upon returning, the government showed reluctance to take action, which left Gumi bitter. He urged the Nigerian government to address its security challenges without relying on international ethics and standards.

Gumi emphasized that Nigeria should not listen to the international community, as it is their problem to solve. He also criticized the government for succumbing to blackmail and misinformation, hindering its efforts to resolve the issue.

The scholar urged the government to provide a six-month amnesty window for Boko Haram members to lay down their weapons. According to Gumi, if he were to become president, he would offer such an amnesty period to encourage disarmament.