Islamic Cleric Sounds Alarm Over Alleged US Assassination Plot
Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has raised serious concerns about potential American military intervention in Nigeria, suggesting the United States might be planning to attack the Aso Rock Presidential Villa to eliminate President Bola Tinubu and other top government officials.
In a recent video interview with Trust TV monitored by Legit.ng on Friday, November 7, the Kaduna-based cleric strongly condemned US President Donald Trump's threat of military action against Nigeria, describing it as a direct insult to Nigeria's sovereignty.
Historical Pattern of Muslim Leadership Targeting
Gumi presented a controversial theory suggesting the United States has historically been displeased when Muslims lead Nigeria. He pointed to several historical figures to support his claim, stating: "They have killed Tafawa Balewa, Sardauna (Ahmadu Bello), and they have killed General Murtala Muhammed. Even Sani Abacha was poisoned."
The cleric expressed his belief that religious politics plays a significant role in the current tensions, noting that American authorities consistently show discomfort when Muslim leaders assume power in Nigeria.
Resource Control and Military Base Allegations
Gumi suggested that beyond religious considerations, the United States has strategic interests in Nigeria's resources. He directly accused America of seeking to establish military presence in the country, drawing parallels with previous international interventions.
"I think they want to establish a military base in Nigeria; they want our resources as they have done in Iraq," Gumi asserted during the interview.
The Islamic scholar warned Nigerians not to rule out the possibility of direct American military action against the presidential palace, citing similar operations in other countries where the US has intervened under various pretexts.
Context of Trump's Threats and Designation
Gumi's alarming statements come amid escalating tensions between Nigeria and the United States. President Donald Trump recently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged Christian persecution and openly threatened to invade Nigeria to eliminate terrorists targeting Christians.
The security situation in northern Nigeria has been dire, with bandits and Boko Haram terrorists responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, numerous kidnappings, and the displacement of millions over the past decade. The 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction brought international attention to Nigeria's security challenges.
Military Experts Echo Concerns
Supporting Gumi's apprehensions, former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Abdulrahman Dambazau separately suggested that the United States might be preparing to establish a military base in Nigeria. Dambazau shared these concerns during the seventh annual public lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria in Abuja.
Gumi urged President Tinubu to remain steadfast in the face of these external pressures and threats, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Nigeria's sovereignty and independent decision-making.
The cleric's interview has sparked significant discussion about Nigeria-US relations and the potential implications of Trump's administration taking a more aggressive stance toward African nations.
