The Federal Government has taken a tough stand on the Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, saying he is subject to the laws of the land.
According to him, Gumi has already been invited for questioning on the security situation in the country.
Mr Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, told State House correspondents on Monday after the Federal Executive Council meeting that Gumi’s comments on the kidnapping of about 280 pupils and students of primary and secondary schools in Kuriga, Kaduna State, last week had prompted the government to call him for questioning.
Persecondnews recalls that Gumi’s had offer to talk to the terrorists who took the pupils hostage.
Idris said the controversial Muslim cleric Gumi must answer for his words and deeds and that he is not above the law, hence the reason for his questioning.
“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 and I’m aware that he 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 agencies to think further and they are doing just that; no one is above the law,” Persecondnews quotes the information minister as saying.
On the release or rescue of Kuriga school children, Idris said no ransom was paid for their liberty.
“As promised by Mr. President, they have been rescued and no ransom was paid,” he said, expressing President Bola Tinubu’s commendation to the National Security Adviser, service chiefs and all those involved in securing the school children’s release.
“The Federal Executive Council and Mr. President are very grateful to especially the National Security Adviser, the service chiefs and all security agents who participated diligently in ensuring that this kidnapped children are reunited with their families.
“Government is determined to ensure that the lives and property of all Nigerians are protected at all times and Mr. President has also charged security agencies to ensure that these kidnappings are brought to a halt finally in this country.
“Indeed, all those who are participating in this criminal act will be fished out by the security agencies and will never go unpunished,” the minister said.
On the actual figure of the kidnapped school children whether 287 or 137, Idris said: “On reports that 287 of these children were taking in, what I can tell you is that there is no report that any of these kidnap victims either died or has been withheld.
“So those that have been taken have been brought back in safety to their families. I can tell you that.“
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