Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Nigerian government to firmly defend the rights and dignity of its citizens abroad, following his recent deportation from Saudi Arabia.
In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Sheikh Gumi confirmed that Saudi authorities denied him entry upon arrival in Medina on Saturday night.
He had traveled via Umza Air as part of a delegation of religious leaders sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The cleric was promptly deported upon landing at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport.
Speaking on the incident, Sheikh Gumi said Nigerian authorities have already taken steps to address the situation.
“Yes, the Nigerian government is on top of it. The Minister of External Affairs has contacted me, and I’ve also spoken with the Director General of the DSS. I believe the government is doing the right thing to ensure Nigerian citizens are not harassed,” he stated.
The cleric stressed the importance of Nigeria standing firm as a sovereign nation, saying, “Nigeria should stand by her principles as a free nation. Every Nigerian has the right to freedom of speech, provided it does not incite violence, discrimination, or ethnic hatred. Expressing one’s opinion should not become a reason to deny someone the right to worship.”
He further urged the government to send a clear message to authoritarian regimes.
“Nigeria must assert its rights. We are not subservient to any country. This should serve as a reminder to all governments that Nigerians’ rights must be respected,” he said.
When asked whether he would consider returning to Saudi Arabia in the future for pilgrimage, Gumi responded without hesitation, “Yes, I will. It is a sacred place of worship, and there should be no restrictions for genuine worshippers.”
Despite the diplomatic strain caused by the incident, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have historically maintained strong bilateral relations.
Sheikh Gumi’s deportation, however, has sparked wider conversations about the treatment of Nigerians abroad and the role of government in protecting its citizens.
