By Abba Gwale
Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has clarified that the religious bias in the Nigerian Army was between 2010 and 2015.
In his interview with Hausa service of BBC, Gumi said he was misunderstood and blamed media report for misquoting him.
The retired general noted that he had a good understanding of the Nigerian Army, adding that many things have not changed since he left the force.
Recall that in his face to face interview with the bandits in their den, Gumi told them that soldiers are divided into Muslims and non-Muslims.
But the Nigerian Army cautioned Gumi against making divisive and disparaging utterances against the military institutions.
While reacting to the video, the army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima, said the army did not deploy its troops along ethnic or religious lines as stated by Gumi.
‘Nigerian Army does not deploy its troops along ethnic or religious lines,’ admonished the cleric and other opinion merchants to exercise restraint and not drag the image and reputation of “one of the most reliable national institutions to disrepute.” said Yerima
“I saw the Army’s response. What I will say is that there is a misunderstanding in the issues. When I speak about the religious issue in the Army, I am not referring to today’s Army.
“The issue is from 2010-2015 when some people were in-charge and a lot of bad things happened.
“It is during that time that there were bombings everywhere. It happened in Jaji and we lost a popular Muslim general. Even, I was saved by God because they planted a bomb for me,” Gumi clarified.
