Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi has urged the Federal Government to protect the rights of Nigerians living and travelling abroad.
He made the appeal in an interview with Vanguard following his deportation from Saudi Arabia.
He revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of State Services contacted him after the incident to address the situation.
Sheikh Gumi was part of a group of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria who arrived in Medina on Saturday night via Umza Air.
Upon arrival at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, he was deported back to Nigeria.
The cleric called on the government to always stand firm in defending Nigerians’ rights, especially when citizens face unfair treatment in other countries.
He stated that Nigerians should be free to express their opinions peacefully without fear of punishment or discrimination.
“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, and ethnic cleansing. Your expressed views should not be used against somebody intending to go for worship.
“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.”
Despite the deportation, Sheikh Gumi confirmed his intention to return to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, declaring that the holy land is a place of worship where Muslims should not face restrictions.
“Yes, I will go on pilgrimage. It is a place of worship, and there should not be restrictions for adherents,“he said.
Aide Reveals Why Gumi Was Stopped From Performing Hajj
Gumi’s aide, Mallam Salisu told Sahara Reporters said the cleric was barred from performing Hajj due to his outspoken criticism of the Saudi Arabian ruling family, particularly regarding their handling of the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
He said, “The highly respected cleric was not deported, contrary to some reports. What actually occurred was that he arrived in Madinah on Saturday. During immigration clearance at the airport, his thumbprint failed to retrieve his biodata. As a result, he was asked to step aside.
“The following day, Saudi authorities informed him that he was barred from participating in the Hajj rites due to his outspoken criticism of the ruling family, particularly regarding their handling of the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
“Therefore, I can confirm that he (Sheikh Gumi) has called to let me know that he was back to the country.”
NAHCON Reacts
An official at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), explained to The Guardian on Tuesday that Sheikh Gumi had “since been banned from entry into the Kingdom” and was fully aware of the restriction placed on him.
The official clarified that the issuance of a visa by Saudi authorities does not guarantee entry into the Kingdom, particularly for individuals who have been flagged by security or immigration systems.
“He has since been banned from entry into the Kingdom. They normally will issue a visa, and then upon arrival, they will not allow you to leave immigration and will deport you. He is not the only person deported this year”.
When pressed further if Gumi was aware of the entry restriction placed on him, the official responded that, “Yes, he is aware.”
We were told that God is omnipresent, meaning that He is everywhere, then why and what is our people looking for in another man’s country? I even blame governments for sponsoring a personal business, which is religion.How can this federal government continue to bankroll pilgrims’ expenses when they have weaponised hunger in the land?