Daily Trust

The Jama’atul Nasir Islam (JNI) and the Kaduna State government yesterday called for the release of Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi before this year’s Ramadan (Muslim holy month for fasting).

Gumi was arrested and detained by the Saudi authorities since April over allegations yet to be made public. The new National General Secretary of the organisation, Dr Khalid Abubakar, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen shortly after assumption of duty in Kaduna.

Abubakar described Gumi as a “very responsible, patriotic, honest and religious’’ citizen, who had been preaching peaceful co-existence, mutual respect, discipline and good governance in the country.  He said that the Muslim faithful were yearning for the release of the cleric before the commencement of this year’s fasting to enjoy his (scholar’s) annual preaching (Ramadan tafsir).  According to him, the body has yet to be informed by any authority on why the scholar was arrested.

“But I can tell you that the development has assumed a diplomatic dimension following the intervention of the Kaduna State government,’’ the scribe said.

Confirming the report, Gov. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State told newsmen in Kaduna that his administration was worried over the detention of the cleric because of his (Gumi’s) contributions to peaceful coexistence and development of the state.  Yakowa said that a team headed by him was lobbying the Federal Government to intervene and ensure the release of Gumi before the start of this year’s Ramadan fast.  Gumi’s release, he said, would foster peace, unity and progress as his (cleric’s) followers were agitated over the arrest.  (NAN)