Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take a hard diplomatic stance against the United States following President Donald Trump’s recent threat of military action against Nigeria.
Trump, in a widely circulated remark, had threatened to invade Nigeria to “clear out Islamic terrorists,” citing alleged killings of Christians. The statement has drawn local and international criticism.
In a statement on Sunday, Gumi described Trump’s position as an assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty and called on the Federal Government to summon the United States Ambassador to Abuja immediately.
“For Trump to threaten a sovereign country with military attack is a profound disrespect to our authority,” Gumi said. “President Tinubu should summon the US ambassador; they either retract their threats or we sever diplomatic ties with this irresponsible regime.”
Gumi argued that Nigeria must not remain overly dependent on Western powers, insisting the country had alternative global alliances.
“The world is no longer unipolar. Nigeria has friends elsewhere who respect our sovereignty,” he noted.
The cleric also reiterated his controversial position on negotiating with armed bandits terrorising the North, insisting that peaceful settlement was possible if the government handles the process with sincerity.
His comment followed a recent peace meeting in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina, where community leaders reportedly engaged with bandit groups.
“Alhamdulillah, Sabuwa Local Government has held a peace settlement with the bandits in the forests. May the security agencies avoid destroying this peace agreement, but instead guide them just as Niger Delta militants were guided,” he said during his remarks in Hausa.
Gumi has consistently advocated rehabilitation and integration of bandits into the society, a position that has drawn public backlash amid ongoing insecurity in the North.
The Federal Government has not issued an official response to Gumi’s demand or Trump’s alleged threat as at press time.
Diplomatic analysts say escalating tensions with Washington could have economic and security implications, especially at a time Nigeria seeks stronger international partnerships to fight terrorism and boost investment.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations have called on the presidency to address the matter publicly to calm national and diplomatic concerns.
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