A fiery Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has cleared air over his visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Abeokuta alongside former vice president and presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar and other religious and political leaders.
In a short note before the commencement of preaching session at Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna on Friday, Mr Gumi said the visit was in line with the teachings of Islam as he is following the tradition (Sunnah) of Prophet Mohammed.
“Prophet Muhammad once said he would gladly honour invitation to mediate even between non-Muslims.
“Every Muslim asked to intervene in peace accord between Muslim and Muslim or Christian and Muslim or Christian and Christian, he should go.
“Only pagans promote enmity. Once our leaders are in peace, hopefully the nation will be in peace.
“Former President Obasanjo sought to reconcile with his former deputy (Atiku Abubakar). You all know there is no love lost between them.
“One of the conditions laid for the reconciliation was that persons who are neutral should be appointed as mediators.
“Both of them agreed that I should be part of the reconciliation to ensure that the reconciliation is real. Thank God, they settled their differences. And its for real”.
He denied allegations that he was paid in dollars to visit Mr Obasanjo, saying that the visit was in accordance with teachings of Islam.
Other members of the delegation include PDP chairman Uche Secondus; a senator representing Bayelsa East Ben Bruce; Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah and; Bishop Oyedepo.
During the Thursday visit, Mr Obasanjo said he had forgiven Mr Atiku and promised to support his presidential ambition.
