‘Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar’ – Mixed reactions as Peter Obi visits Sheikh Gumi

By Adeleye Kunle

Nigerians on social media have described the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi’s recent visit to the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi, as part of his strategic plan to dialogue with all aggrieved citizens for peaceful resolution.

Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, on Monday, paid a courtesy visit to Gumi in Kaduna, ahead of the 2023 election.

Gumi, who was at the forefront of the negotiation with bandits who kidnapped Government Science College students in Kagara, Niger State, early 2021, also led a delegation to visit bandits in Kaduna and Zamfara State forests, all in the name of peace talks.

Sharing photos from the visit on his Twitter handle, Obi wrote, “Arriving Kaduna with Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, to honour the invitation of the Arewa Joint Committee. Dr Datti and I stopped by for a courtesy call on Sheikh Gumi at his official residence in Kaduna.”

The duo were in the State to attend an interactive session organised by the Arewa Joint Committee for presidential candidates.

Reactions have continued to the unexpected visit.

@PopularOnyeka; “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God!! You’re a strategic man! And I trust you. May God protect you and turn your enemies into helping hands.”

@emmyskillz2; “Omo, this one loud oo , but I trust your decision my President 100%.”

@alwashik; “He is carrying everyone, I mean everyone to the Nigeria of our dreams.”

@virgo_brownie; “Hmmm. Is this not the same gumi that’s linked to terrorism ? Po what is happening?”

@nNdianefoD; “Gumi has questions to answer, sha don’t forget that when you become president.”

@Dr chazduke; “Peter Obi is the real unifier and bridge builder.”

@Michael_Chidike; “He needs to know what Gumi knows to be able to solve the problems of insecurity.