Popular Islamic cleric and self-appointed negotiator of bandits, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, says self determination agitations in the Southern part of the country are political gimmicks to secure Nigerian presidency.
In the South-East geo-political zone, Igbos from the area are clamouring for the actualisation of the defunct Biafra Republic through foremost separatist group, the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) led by Nnamdi Kanu, detained by the State Security Service (SSS).
In the South-West, agitation for the Oduduwa Republic died down after Sunday Adeyemo fled the country. The activist popularly known as Sunday Igboho is being wanted by the SSS for alleged gun running.
In the South-South, demand for Niger Delta Republic has been on though not loud as the ones from the two other regions.
In a Facebook post on Monday, the controversial cleric demanding amnesty for bandits in the Northern part of the country, believes the agitations are politically motivated.
“The IPOB rhetoric and loud voice of Biafra agitations have muffled out with the emergence of Peter Obi as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate,” Mr Gumi asserted. “To them, Igbos have a platform. It’s clear now that the entire IPOB outcry was a political gimmick to get power.
“The Oduduwa clamours have abated also since Tinubu has clinched the APC ticket never to resurface again until probably if he didn’t win the race.
“Northern Ultra conservatives too have no mouth to speak of marginalisation or suppression of representation. The NNPP Kwankwaso has satisfied that segment of the society. No more claims of candidate suppression and manipulation.”
He said the only problem the country has now is if the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC) will conduct a free, fair and transparent election next year.
