The counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has condemned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s recent proposal to arm Igbo youths as a counterforce to IPOB.
Ejiofor described the suggestion as malicious, misguided, divisive, and inflammatory.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ejiofor accused Gumi of being complicit in worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria, alleging that the cleric has consistently defended elements responsible for terrorism and banditry.
“Gumi’s proposal is both divisive and dangerous,” Ejiofor remarked. “His questionable obsession with monetary benefits has led him to fuel insecurity in the North, while acting as a defender and negotiator for criminal elements.”
Ejiofor criticized Gumi’s perceived immunity from prosecution despite his affiliations with those undermining national security. He pointed out that one of Gumi’s emissaries is currently in custody under investigation for promoting banditry.
“Gumi’s inability to address the rampant terrorism in his own region makes his advice to arm youths in the Southeast hypocritical and reckless,” Ejiofor noted.
He further clarified that IPOB has consistently distanced itself from criminal activities in the region, emphasizing that the violence in the Southeast is perpetrated by opportunistic criminals masquerading as freedom fighters.
“Gumi’s suggestion would only serve to create division among the Igbo people, plunging the region into chaos,” Ejiofor warned. “IPOB remains committed to collaborating with local security outfits to eliminate criminal threats.”
The lawyer accused Gumi of harboring a hidden agenda aimed at destabilizing Igbo land and fostering internal conflict.
“The Igbo people have learned from painful experiences and will not fall for such manipulative tactics,” Ejiofor stated. “Our message to Gumi is clear — his divisive mission is dead on arrival.”
He called for unity among the Igbo to resist external threats and reaffirmed the community’s resolve to chart its path forward despite political conspiracies and marginalization.
