Islamic cleric and controversial public commentator, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has once again stirred national debate following his remarks accusing the United States of harbouring ill feelings towards Nigeria.
According to Sheikh Gumi, America has never truly wished Nigeria well, alleging that the country openly supported the Biafra region during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and remains displeased that the secessionist attempt failed.
The cleric made the statement while speaking on Nigeria’s historical and geopolitical relations with Western powers. He argued that the Nigerian Civil War remains a defining moment in the country’s relationship with the United States, claiming that America’s support for Biafra during the conflict has shaped its continued attitude towards Nigeria decades after the war ended.
Sheikh Gumi further suggested that Nigeria’s challenges on the global stage cannot be separated from the unresolved bitterness he believes exists among some Western nations over Nigeria’s continued unity and sovereignty. He warned Nigerians to be cautious in interpreting foreign interests, stressing that international diplomacy is often driven by strategic and economic calculations rather than genuine concern for national development.
His comments have since generated mixed reactions across the country. While some Nigerians agree with his position, citing historical records of foreign involvement during the civil war, others have dismissed the claims as inflammatory and overly simplistic, arguing that modern U.S.–Nigeria relations are shaped more by contemporary security, economic, and diplomatic interests than past conflicts.
The statement has also reignited conversations about the Nigerian Civil War, foreign interference in African affairs, and the importance of national unity in the face of external pressures. As expected, Sheikh Gumi’s remarks continue to spark debate online, with supporters and critics offering differing interpretations of history and Nigeria’s place in global politics.
Despite the controversy, the cleric maintained that Nigerians must prioritize internal cohesion and self-reliance, insisting that no foreign power will act in Nigeria’s interest more than Nigerians themselves