The Nigerian army has reacted to claims by Kaduna based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, alleging possible collusion between the military and bandits in perpetrating crimes and various atrocities in the country.
Speaking in a statement by its Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army said while it would not rule out the possibility of black sheep among them, it is however, unhelpful to make 'derogatory comments that have the potential to embolden criminals.'
“It is essential to remind ourselves that these same military, being accused of connivance, are the ones who recently put their lives on the line to rescue abductees of the Government Secondary School, Birnin Yawuri from kidnappers.
“While the NA will not attempt to excuse the possibility of black sheep amongst its fold, it must be stated unambiguously that it will not condone any form of sabotage or aiding and assisting the enemy by any personnel.
“The provisions for dealing decisively with such acts are crystallised in Section 45 (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“It must also be pointed out, that while the military is very much receptive to constructive criticism, it should not be perceived as a gateway for derogatory comments that have the potential to embolden criminals,” he said.
“The NA wishes to reassure law abiding citizens, that troops will continue to conduct themselves professionally in consonance with the code of conduct guiding our operations in all combat engagements, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and global best practice," he added.
Gumi had in same interview on Wednesday, when he appeared as a guest on Arise TV‘s ‘Good Morning Show’, warned that the refusal of the Buhari government to listen to agitators in the country, will hasten the demise of the country.
He said when citizens begin to take up arms against their own country, it shows there's a problem, and pretending that there are no agitations will not make them go away.
He therefore, warned that the Buhari government had better chose the easy path to peace which is to listen and address the concerns of agitators, otherwise, the one Nigeria they say is non-negotiable, with be destroyed without negotiation.
“Government doesn’t want to recognise that there are agitations. Even with the IPOB. If I were the government, I will go and sit down with them and ask what the problem is.
“Why are you carrying weapons against your own country? So is the case with the herdsmen. They are ready to negotiate,” Gumi said.