Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a controversial Islamic cleric, has chastised Nigerian politicians for booking private aircraft to attend President Muhammed Buhari’s son, Yusuf Buhari’s wedding on Friday, while countless school children suffer in kidnappers’ dens.
In a spectacular ceremony held in Bichi, Kano, Yusuf Buhari wedded Zarah Bayero, the daughter of the Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Bayero.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, serving and former governors, traditional rulers, and notable figures from within and outside the country were among those who attended the event.
During a sermon at Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi stated Nigerian politicians booked private jets to attend the president’s son’s wedding, but they forgot about hundreds of innocent people held captive in kidnappers’ dens around the country.
“Some people are in captivity in bushes dying silently as kidnappers are holding unto them until the ransom is paid. Others are suffering from hunger, as it’s everywhere. People are facing all manner of problems, yet politicians spend public funds on private jets,” Gumi said.
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi then inquired, “When Prophet Mohammed married off his daughter, who came from Mecca or Yemen? In the entire Medina no righteous persons to oversee the solemnization?
“Some politicians are spending money to hire jets to go to a wedding while criminals are holding people to ransom in the bush. The criminals (bandits) are milking the people.
“Some people have never earned N1 million in their life, but bandits would demand N10 million. Many people have sold their houses, farms, everything and paid bandits for ransom, yet, some are not lucky to have their loved ones released unto them.”
The preacher lamented how politicians had corrupted the clergy, claiming that religious leaders had become political pawns.
“Some religious leaders cannot survive without behaving in a servile manner towards politicians. Politicians have spoilt the clerics. Atrocities are committed in the country but no one can speak up.
“People think only those in the bush (bandits) milk us dry, no! Even our leaders milk us dry. Where did they get the money to hire all these jets?
“In one of the states, some pictures of a dilapidated hospital were sent to me. The roof was blown off and a patient was lying on the bed. That governor is in Kano to attend a wedding.
“How many schools were rehabilitated? The money that should be used to cater for the people is the one they hire private jets to junket around. Are you not also a bandit?
“We vent our anger against ourselves, other tribes. People are left killing themselves because of poor leadership,” Gumi remarked.
