Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has disclosed that the Nigerian government is actively addressing his recent deportation from Saudi Arabia.
In a post shared on his official Facebook page, Gumi explained that although he was granted a visa by Saudi authorities, he was denied access to proceed to Medina, where he had intended to commence his religious pilgrimage.
Speaking with Vanguard, Gumi emphasized that Nigerian officials have taken swift steps to engage the matter diplomatically. He also pointed out that the incident reflects deeper issues concerning Nigeria's foreign relations and the treatment of its citizens abroad.
“The Nigerian government is fully involved,” Gumi affirmed. “As a sovereign nation, Nigeria must uphold its values and the rights of its people. Every Nigerian is entitled to freedom of expression, provided it does not incite violence, hatred, or discrimination. One’s opinion should never become grounds for denying them the right to worship.”
He revealed that both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reached out to him regarding the incident, a gesture he sees as a positive sign of the government's commitment to safeguarding its citizens.
According to the cleric, “Nigeria must stand tall and defend its dignity on the global stage. We are not subjects of any foreign power, and this situation should serve as a reminder to authoritarian regimes that Nigeria’s rights and sovereignty must be respected.”
Despite the setback, Gumi expressed hope of returning to Saudi Arabia to perform his pilgrimage in the near future. “Of course, I still intend to go. The holy land should remain accessible to all sincere worshippers, regardless of their viewpoints or nationality,” he said.
The incident has sparked discussions about the intersection of religious freedom, diplomatic relations, and human rights, particularly concerning how Nigerian citizens are treated abroad based on their opinions or affiliations.
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