Tinubu hails Sheikh Gumi’s legacy

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, describing him as a guiding light and champion of religious tolerance whose teachings remain relevant in contemporary Nigeria.

The President, who was represented by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, gave the remarks on Saturday at the unveiling of Sheikh Gumi’s book, Where I Stand, held at the Umar Musa Yar’adua Hall in Murtala Square, Kaduna. The event attracted scholars, political leaders, and dignitaries from across the country.

Delivering the President’s message, Governor Sani said Mr Tinubu—currently on a working visit abroad—expressed deep regard for the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) and its role in advancing peace and moral values.

Mr Tinubu stated, “I hold JIBWIS and similar institutions in high esteem. Under the leadership of Sheikh Bala Lau, JIBWIS continues to collaborate with government agencies to promote peace and unity in our nation. That effort is invaluable in our pursuit of national development.”

He further recalled late Sheikh Gumi’s outstanding contributions as Northern Nigeria’s only Grand Kadi, praising him as a man of courage and wisdom.“Sheikh Abubakar Gumi was a towering figure who dedicated his life to interfaith harmony and religious education. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians,’’ he added.

Governor Sani, who also hosted the occasion, reflected on his family’s close ties with Sheikh Gumi. He explained that his private support for the publication and translation of the book stemmed from a desire to honour the late cleric’s influence on his family.“Sheikh Gumi greatly influenced my late father and my family. Supporting this book project was a way of preserving his message and sharing his wisdom with the wider public,’’ he said.

He emphasized the place of Islamic scholarship in national development, linking it to the administration’s focus on education and vocational training.

The book was translated into Arabic by the Chairman of the JIBWIS Ulamau Committee, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo. Acknowledging minor errors, Dr Jalingo stressed that the work nonetheless offers profound insights into Sheikh Gumi’s life and teachings.“It is not a divine text, but it is deeply informative. We encourage scholars to make use of this resource and continue writing their own histories to enrich Islamic knowledge,” he said.

National Chairman of JIBWIS Nigeria, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala-Lau, urged stronger federal action against insecurity, especially in hard-hit areas.“We cannot ignore the security challenges. We urge our leaders to act, and we pray for lasting peace in our country,’’ he declared.

Former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, formally presented the book, commending Sheikh Gumi as a visionary whose works should be preserved in libraries nationwide.
“We must document our scholars’ legacies ourselves. Let this book reach every library in hard cover. It will educate, guide, and inspire,” Yari said.

Book reviewer and Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Dr Muhammad Bello, a student of Sheikh Gumi, also underscored the importance of preserving Islamic literature, noting that more translations were being planned to reach wider audiences.

Representing the Gumi family, Sheikh Mahmud Gumi expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for sending a delegation and thanked Governor Sani for his support. He appealed for government action to address insecurity, warning that the absence of religious guidance in troubled regions fuels ignorance and violence.“We need to bring knowledge to those causing harm. Many act out of ignorance. This book, and others like it, can serve as tools for reformation,’’ he said.

He urged JIBWIS to intensify outreach to those involved in violence.“Let us make this a mission: to take Da’wah to those in the bush. It is ignorance, not faith, that leads people to kill in places of worship,’’ he added.

Other participants included Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachikun, a student of Sheikh Gumi, who called for Muslim unity, and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, represented by his deputy, Mani Muminu, who reaffirmed his administration’s support for JIBWIS while urging prayers for an end to banditry.

The launch of Where I Stand was widely described by attendees as a vital step in preserving the intellectual and spiritual legacy of one of Nigeria’s most respected Islamic scholars.