If Kanu Shows Remorse, I’ll Push For His Amnesty – Sheikh Gumi.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has said he would support a pardon for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, if Kanu shows remorse and publicly calls for peace.

Gumi made the remark on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he discussed the nation’s security challenges.

Kanu was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on seven counts of terrorism, including inciting attacks on security personnel.

Gumi stated, “This Kanu that was imprisoned for terrorism for agitating that our soldiers should be killed, if this same Kanu now will show remorse and also call for peace, honestly, I will be in the forefront in calling for his pardon and amnesty for him.”

He referenced past national reconciliations, citing President Shehu Shagari’s amnesty for Ojukwu and President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s amnesty granted to Niger Delta militants, insisting that Nigeria has a history of using forgiveness to restore peace.

The cleric again emphasised that Nigeria must prioritise non-kinetic approaches in tackling insecurity, especially in the northern region. He argued that meaningful dialogue and reconciliation would make the country safer than constant reliance on force.

“We have people who are ready to put down their arms, so why do you always decide it has to be kinetic?” he asked.

He further noted that even global powers have struggled with prolonged conflicts, adding that no army is fully equipped to win unconventional wars.

Gumi also claimed that Fulani herders have shown willingness to embrace peace when genuinely engaged, but questioned whether the same environment for dialogue currently exists with IPOB or Boko Haram.

He concluded by saying he would support anyone who shows a genuine inclination towards peace.