Gumi attacking Igboho’s ideology provocative – Southwest group 

… Vows to resist banditry, criminality

Abiodun OBA

The Southwest Security Stakeholders Group, SSSG, has condemned Sheikh Gumi’s attack of Igboho’s ideology in his hometown, Igboho, saying such is provocative, and can lead to crisis.

In a statement, signed by its Convener and the Secretary, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams and Alhaji Owolabi Amusat, the SSSG  dismissed Sheikh Gumi’s visit to Sunday Igboho’s town, noting that it was an attempt to mock and undermine the efforts of Yoruba activists and freedom fighters.

The group explained that “Gumi is a Nigerian; he has the right to visit any part of the country but it shouldn’t be to the extent of deliberately attacking Igboho’s ideology in his hometown,” noting that such an attempt is provocative, and can lead to crisis.

According to the statement, that was why it elicited various reactions, stressing that Gumi’s ideas are always at variance with the present reality in the country.

It stated that it is better for him (Sheikh Gumi) to desist from fanning the embers of discord in the country and the Southwest in particular.

The group further alleged that bandits have perfected plans to strike in Southwest but vowed that they will face their wrath if they do not stay away from the zone.

The statement added that bandits have variously attacked the North East, North West and North Central, leaving in its wake, disturbing scenes of terror, killings and destruction that are capable of destroying the sanctity of Nigeria.

The Southwest Security Stakeholders Group said it had considered it necessary to beef up the security operations in their region, adding that it has charged the police and all other security outfits across the region to remain vigilant in ensuring that the region is safe.

It noted that any attempt to invade the Southwest would bring about both economic and political doom.

The group said, “SSSG is driven by the calls to ensure effective security across the southwest. We are also keen on regionalism where each region will control the security architecture of their respective region.”

It observed that if Nigeria does not return to regionalism based on the true federalism it had in the past, there may be a crisis and nobody should blame those agitating for self-determination.

“But as a group, we will not relent in the struggle to protect the South West and we are determined to partner with the police and other security agencies to combat crime and make the region safe for all and sundry,” the group noted.