Although corruption is impeding Nigeria’s progress, according to Islamic cleric Shiekh Ahmad Gumi of Kaduna, the planned statewide protest should be postponed to avoid widespread chaos.
Junaidu “Abusalma” Abdullahi, a TikToker from Kano, was recently detained and imprisoned for organizing the demonstration.
In a message published on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Mr. Gumi admitted that widespread corruption is destroying the government and the economy in Nigeria, among other facets of the country’s society. He issued a warning that the nation would descend into disorder due to the protest’s timing.
“Although I apologize to the few honest Nigerians, the recent youth movement against bad governance and poor leadership is a great precursor of a brighter future for this country,” Mr. Gumi said. “Corruption has permeated the fabric of society, leaving virtually no institution without blemish.”
“At times, the executives are largely corrupt,” he continued. So also the legislature, the academia, the judiciary, the armed forces, the labor unions, and even the affluent citizens, all watching as the nation is drifting slowly to hunger and lawlessness, every quarter is after its interest of amassing wealth, the youth suddenly have stood out as the last hope of this nation.”
But according to Mr. Gumi, the planned protest in August against poor leadership, dire economic conditions, and food shortages should be postponed because it would spark chaos and provide those who wish to balkanize the nation a chance to further their goals.
In light of this, I’m urging the young to move their planned demonstration from August of this year to January 1st of the following year. The first and main reason is to allow ample time for their many youth groups to coordinate for improved organization and effectively convey their demands for the welfare of the country. The cleric stated, “It is claimed that if you don’t prepare to succeed, you are then intending to fail.
He urged the youth to “understand that there are many who want to balkanize the nation,” emphasizing that “any premature action by the youth is most likely to lead to anarchy and greater turmoil as not every person is on the same page with their noble ambition.”
And Mr. Gumi said, “I think they shouldn’t get a free pass to do so.”
Mr. Gumi’s remarks coincide with the nation of Nigeria getting ready for rallies around the country over dire economic conditions, such as skyrocketing food and inflation costs.
Legislators in Nigeria advised their countrymen on Friday not to follow Kenyans’ lead and take to the streets in protest.
In an effort to defuse tensions, the Nigerian government has raised the minimum wage to N70,000 and given rice to several states since the protest’s August plans were announced.
