Fresh Tension As Gumi Rebukes Bago Over Controversial Fulani Remarks

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to exercise greater caution in his public remarks, following the governor’s recent comments directed at the Fulani community.

Gumi gave the advice in a Facebook post on Saturday, stressing that political leaders must choose their words carefully, particularly in a diverse society where sensitive statements could threaten peaceful coexistence.

“The current governor of Niger State, Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bago, needs to be careful with his choice of words. Verbosity in politics is detrimental to good governance, especially in a multi-religious setting,” Gumi wrote.

The cleric’s remarks came in response to Governor Bago’s recent meeting with Fulani leaders, during which he urged them to encourage their children allegedly involved in kidnapping and banditry to abandon criminal activities and return home.

Bago also warned that the continued silence of community leaders over the activities of kidnappers and bandits was contributing to growing public suspicion and resentment toward the Fulani community.

The governor further appealed to Fulani leaders to identify criminal elements within their communities and work closely with security agencies to tackle insecurity across the state.

During the meeting, Bago also directed traditional rulers to monitor religious preaching within their domains and ordered the arrest of anyone found using sermons to incite division either among Muslims or between Muslims and Christians.

He further cautioned vigilante groups against taking the law into their own hands and warned farmers against cultivating crops along government roads.