Tension Rises in Sultan Bello Mosque as Controversy Surrounds Deputy Appointment for Sheikh Gumi

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has refuted claims that the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna is exclusively for Sheikh Ahmed Gumi’s lineage. The Administrative Secretary of JNI, Yusuf Bida, addressed journalists on Monday in Kaduna, responding to a social media write-up regarding the appointment of a deputy for Sheikh Gumi.

The write-up, allegedly authored by a disciple and student of Sheikh Gumi, asserted that the newly appointed deputy did not align with Gumi’s school of thought. It further claimed that the appointment was orchestrated by individuals unrelated to the mosque and the teachings of the late Sheikh Abubakar Gumi.

Mr. Bida denounced the write-up, labeling it an attempt to incite chaos in a mosque that has long enjoyed peace and tranquility. He clarified that the appointment process for imams and deputies is based on applications and subsequent examinations by the JNI. Emphasizing the merit-based approach, Mr. Bida highlighted that Sheikh Ahmed Gumi himself emerged through this process.

In light of these developments, Mr. Bida called for calm among Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s students worldwide, urging them to disregard the unfounded social media lies. Additionally, he appealed to security agencies in the state and the Mosque’s Management Board to take swift action against elements attempting to disrupt the mosque’s peace.