(DDM) – Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has declared that he would only advocate a presidential pardon for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, if the separatist figure publicly expresses genuine remorse and calls for peace.
The Kaduna-based cleric made the remarks during a televised interview monitored by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) on Tuesday.
Gumi’s position followed last week’s judgement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court had sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after convicting him on all seven terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government.
Kanu was immediately transferred to Sokoto Prison under heavy security supervision.
During the interview, Gumi said forgiveness and national reconciliation remain achievable, but insisted that reconciliation begins with responsibility from agitators.
He stated that Kanu’s earlier threats against Nigerian soldiers and the armed forces still carry serious national security implications.
He argued that such actions cannot be overlooked without clear repentance.
According to him, remorse must be genuine, public, and targeted at reducing tensions across the country.
The cleric explained that he would be at the forefront of calling for presidential amnesty if Kanu demonstrates sincerity.
He said Nigeria needs peace-builders rather than hardened agitators in moments of national fragility.
Gumi stressed that public messaging matters in conflict situations.
He said leaders of agitations influence followers through rhetoric and symbolism.
He believes that Kanu’s ability to command a large following places a responsibility on him to guide that following toward peace.
Gumi argued that the pathway to de-escalation requires political magnanimity and humility from all sides.
He stated that confessions of remorse, apologies, and appeals for unity are essential tools for healing.
According to him, pardon is never automatic, and the Nigerian state cannot grant amnesty without behavioural change from those seeking it.
He maintained that he does not oppose dialogue with separatists or agitators.
He said he has consistently advocated engagement over force in resolving national crises.
However, he maintained that dialogue without repentance leads to deeper mistrust.
Gumi said he believes in a Nigeria where justice and mercy operate together.
He said mercy requires truthfulness, and truthfulness requires accountability.
The cleric noted that several insurgent groups in the past received amnesty only after signalling a willingness to change their behaviour.
He suggested that similar principles should apply to the case of Nnamdi Kanu.
He noted that the continued detention of Kanu has generated deep political and ethnic tensions across Nigeria.
He argued that a peaceful political resolution remains possible if the separatist leader adjusts his tone and encourages non-violence.
The cleric also expressed concern about the humanitarian and economic consequences of prolonged regional agitations.
He said Nigeria can only progress when grievances are addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Gumi insisted that forgiveness strengthens a nation but must be based on trust.
He said Kanu’s next public statements will determine the future of any possible reconciliation.
He further urged political leaders to avoid inflammatory language as the matter continues to shape national discourse.
The Federal Government has not issued any response to Gumi’s comments.
Kanu’s legal team is expected to announce its next legal step in the coming weeks.