Reactions have continued to trail the visit of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to the residence of popular and controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, in Kaduna.
Sheikh Gumi has often been pilloried in the social media space for allegedly ‘dining’ with terrorists and bandits.
He has also carved a reputation for negotiating with bandits, strengthening the position of those who say he knows more about the festering kidnapping trade in the nation’s north than he’s willing to let on.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra, alongside his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, visited Gumi on Monday, October 17.
The visit has been scoffed at by most social media users because the presidential candidate has often positioned himself as an anti-establishment politician who intends to deviate from the norm.
“Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed and I stopped by for a courtesy call on Sheikh Gumi at his official residence in Kaduna,” 61-year-old Obi shared on his Twitter page.
Quest Times understands that Obi is in Kaduna for the Arewa Joint Committee.
Obi, in recent times, has paid visits to northern power brokers and thought leaders, including the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero; and the Chairman of Northern Elders Forum, Ango Abdullahi.
He’s also visited former Heads of State, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Nigerians react
Some Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the visit, with critics of the Labour Party flag-bearer labelling him “hypocritical”.
Below are some of the reactions gathered by Quest Times;
Madu Hassan: “All of a sudden our own “Saint” Pit-Obi visits “Bandit” Ahmed Gumi🤣 Wonders would never cease to exist🙄”
Ekeng Henshaw: “Visiting Gumi is treasonable offense against the Nigerian state.”
Pious Hussain: “OBIdients will surely defend this😂😂 They will surely go back to their vomits😂😂”
Uyi Osunde: “Beware of Gumi.
He loves thee not. Beware of Gumi.
He’s connected to the monsters. That’s all I got to say!”
Babatunde Emmanuel: “It’s very important to let us know and understand that in some cases you will need the support of both good and bad in to where you are going even God at times use your enemies to carry out His great plan for you, incoming GCFR God is with you.”
Solowise Wisdom: “He has his reasons for visiting him. And I bet anyone here that his visit was for the betterment of the country.”
Udenz NC: “I don’t support this visitation.
Gumi has a questionable character…..due to his standing as spokesman for the kidnappers down north.”
Ugo Chioma: “This is a good move sir, those who know what is happening in Nigeria know you’re the best man for the job… make friends with them all.”