Northern Coalition Backs Gumi, Seeks Amnesty For Bandits

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) says it is in support of the demand made by the popular Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, that the government should grant amnesty to bandits.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, the spokesperson of CNG, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the coalition decided making its stand public due to attacks on northerners during the #EndSARS protests and the recent attacks in some parts of the region.

CNG also stated that its members are in support of the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Cattle and Foodstuff dealers under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) to stop movement of food and cattle from the North to South.

“We align directly with Sheikh Ahmed Gumi’s position with regards to constructive engagement, opportunity for amnesty leading to reorientation, reintegration and re-assimilation of those who embrace peace within a reasonable timeframe after which, resort can be made to force in crushing the recalcitrant ones.

“The CNG also stands solidly behind the resolve of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria to suspend further movement of goods to the South to press for compensation for losses suffered in the attacks,” Suleiman said.

The group accused some politicians of being behind the attacks on northerners in the south, saying no matter the attempts to destabilise the country, northern youths would continue to embrace peace.

Suleiman added, “We salute the decorum, decency, morality, accommodation, civilization and etiquette shown by northerners whose refusal to be goaded into reacting to the assault clearly justified the South as the volatile and violent part of the country.

“We call the attention of all northerners to note that the drivers of the unrest and disturbances going on in the North and elsewhere are mere antics antics for political ascendancy by attempting to force a transfer of power by shattering the northern cohesion.”