It Happened Under Jonathan – Gumi Clarifies Religious Division In Military Claim

Popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, says his comments that the Nigerian army is divided along religious line is misconstrued, noting that the media took his comment out of context.

As gathered by EKO HOT BLOG, Gumi said that the religious bias he alleged in the Nigerian Army took place between 2010 and 2015.

Goodluck Jonathan was Nigeria’s president during the period Gumi claimed such development took place.

In a viral video clip, the Islamic scholar was seen telling the bandits that soldiers are divided into Muslims and non-Muslims.

Reacting to the incendiary remarks, the Nigerian Army warned Gumi against making Inciting and derogatory utterances against the military institutions.

The army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima, while reacting to the video, said ethnicity and religion are not a factor in deployment of troops as asserted by the cleric during his meeting with bandits.

Yerima, in his statement on Monday titled: ‘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.”

But Gumi, in an interview with the BBC, said the religious prejudice he was talking about took place under Jonathan.

The retired general noted he was conversant with the workings of the Nigerian Army, adding that many things have not changed since he left the military.

“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.”

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