Social media users across Nigeria have unleashed a wave of criticism targeting the controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, following the release of photos showing his son’s graduation from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
The images, featuring the Kaduna-based cleric-known for his contentious stance as a bandit sympathizer-and his son, Abdulrahaman Ahmad, who was commissioned as a Lieutenant, were widely circulated after being posted by former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, on his X account. This sparked a heated debate online, with many Nigerians expressing strong disapproval of Gumi.
In his post, Sani congratulated the young officer, stating, “Sheikh Gumi’s son, Abdulrahaman Ahmad, has graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy. Congratulations and best wishes as he serves our nation.”
Despite the congratulatory tone, a significant portion of Nigerians refrained from celebrating, instead using the opportunity to criticize Gumi, a retired Nigerian Army Captain who has controversially positioned himself as an unofficial advocate for bandits and insurgents.
One user, @Frankie44, remarked:
“Kudos to the Nigerian Army. Hopefully, the son will be deployed to the conflict zones to prove his bravery, just as his father has been a vocal figure for the people in those troubled areas.”
Additional reactions from netizens include:
@Codshallom77 commented:
“I trust he’ll be sent to the frontlines to confront Boko Haram and bandits, while his father continues to negotiate with them!”
@FygLynch added:
“Clever strategy by Gumi-the self-proclaimed Boko Haram mediator has successfully placed his son within the Nigerian Army. Think carefully, and you’ll see the implications.”
@OgaBahaushe observed:
“Congratulations to Abdulrahman Ahmad, but we cannot ignore the glaring contradiction-his father openly sympathizes with bandits. This paradox is troubling in a nation grappling with terrorism.”
“While the son enlists to combat insecurity, the father has spent years defending those perpetuating it. Nigeria truly is a land of contradictions.”
“Congrats to Gumi’s son, but how can a soldier fight bandits when his father defends them? This is a baffling contradiction. Nigeria never ceases to surprise.”
@Onemouthpiece_09 expressed:
“I hope Nigerians are piecing this together… It feels like the people have been silenced. Nigeria’s future looks bleak. I can only laugh at the irony.”
