Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has disclosed that the Federal Government is actively addressing the circumstances surrounding his deportation by Saudi Arabian authorities.
Gumi, who made this known via a post on his verified Facebook page, explained that although he was granted a visa by the Saudi government, he was denied access to proceed to Medina to commence his religious rites.
In an interview with Vanguard, the Kaduna-based scholar noted that the Nigerian government has shown commitment to the issue, describing it as one that holds broader implications for Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with foreign governments.
“Yes, the Nigerian government is on top of it. Nigeria should stand by her principles as a free nation. Every Nigerian has the freedom of speech, as long as you do not call for violence, discrimination, or ethnic cleansing. Your expressed views should not be used against somebody intending to go for worship,” Gumi said.
He revealed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) had reached out to him, assuring that steps are being taken to ensure Nigerians are not humiliated abroad.
“I think the government is doing the right thing to see that citizens are not molested. Nigeria has to assert her own rights as a free nation; we are not slaves to anybody. This is a lesson we should teach all authoritarian governments — that ‘Look, you don’t play with the rights of Nigeria,’” he added.
Sheikh Gumi also expressed hope of returning to the holy land soon, stating, “Yes, I will go on pilgrimage. It is a place of worship, and there should not be restrictions for adherents.”
