Reactions have trailed the graduation of Abdulrahaman Ahmad, son of prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
Gumi, a controversial cleric known for his outspoken views on national security issues, previously served in the Nigerian Army, where he rose to the rank of captain before retiring.
On Sunday, former Kaduna senator Shehu Sani shared a photo of Gumi and his son on X
(formerly Twitter), congratulating the young officer on his achievement.
“Sheikh Gumi’s son Abdulrahaman Ahmad, graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy; Congratulations and wishing him all the best in the service to our country,” he wrote.
Sources disclosed that the official graduation ceremony for the latest batch of cadets will hold on Saturday, September 27.
The viral picture, it was gathered, was taken during a pre-graduation event.
The post, however, sparked reactions online, following Sheikh Gumi’s controversial role in advocating dialogue with bandits.
A user, Ivoh, wrote: “These are the people who sabotage the efforts of the military against insurgency. With the ideology of Gumi, it’s safe to say his son has the same ideology and if that be the case, where does his loyalty lie? 🤔”
Lannister Aspiration stated: “Best wishes to the Nigerian army.
“Perhaps the son could be assigned to the troubled region, where he can demonstrate his courage just as well. After all, his father—the sheikh himself—has long been a voice for the people in that area.”
Daily Banger said: “The son of the mouthpiece/negotiator of terrorists is now a soldier in the military that is supposed to be fighting terrorism. If Nigeria is a serious country, this guy won’t even be admitted in the first place. Serious country conduct background checks for reasons like this and serious countries would’ve disqualified him.”
Mr Wick noted: “lol tomorrow he will become the CDS while his father will be his civilian consultant on security matters, nigeria is a joke.”
Agu – Izuwa wrote: “I hope he will be deployed to the frontlines to battle the terrorists Boko haram and Bandits while he father continues to negotiate with them!”