Shiites: You are creating another Boko Haram, Muslim leaders told Buhari

Leaders of  Islamic groups and Imams  have told  the Federal Government not to allow the violent agitations by the Islamic Movement in  Nigeria to degenerate into another Boko Haram insurgency.

In separate interviews with our correspondent  on Wednesday, they expressed concern over the  continued  detention of  Ibraheem El-Zakyzaky,  leader of the sect otherwise known as  Shi’ites. They  are also  worried by the protests by the group  to force the FG to release their leader.

It would be recalled that Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Gumi was the first cleric that drew the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari over three years ago warning the Government that the continued incarceration of Sheikh Ibrahim El-zakzaky will only breed violent extremism far more than what the country is witnessing in Boko Haram. The Shiites agitation then did not even generate into confrontation with the police. Sheikh Gumi said since there is a subsisting Court order for his release it should be obeyed in addition to giving the Shiites leader conditions for his release. When President Buhari became adamant and refused to release El-Zakzaky, Sheikh Gumi was concerned and has foresaw the potential danger should anything happen to El-Zakzaky while in incarceration, as a result he met APC leader, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu specifically for the purpose in Abuja even before the protest became constant and volatile.

He told Mr. Tinubu to convey his message to the President which Tinubu also promised to immediately discussed the issue on behalf of Sheikh Gumi with Buhari. Since then there was no word from the Government until recently when the Shi’ite protest created Security concern, attracted the attention of the world and became an embarrassment to the government. The killing of the Police DCP and many other casualties from the Shi’ite side is avoidable according to Sheikh Gumi.

The Director of Muslim Rights Concern, Prof Ishaq Akintola,  advised the FG  to release El-Zakyzaky.

He said, “We suggest  the FG  show goodwill and allow leaders of the Muslim community in Nigeria headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, to intervene and ensure a Memorandum of Understanding between the leaders of the protesters, Muslim leaders and the  FG that  will contain the conditionality for  El-Zakyzaky’s  release such as non-violence and peaceful processions. We are not against his release, but peace must be guaranteed.”

Worldwide Missioner, Ansar-u-deen Society of Nigeria, Imam Abdurrahman Ahmad, told the FG  to allow  the court to convict or acquit El-Zakyzaky.

Executive Chairman, Muslim Public Affairs Centre, Disu Kamor, described the detention of El-Zakyzaky as “senseless and a potential danger for Nigerians”.

He said, “President Buhari should accept full responsibility for allowing this situation to deteriorate under his watch. It seems Nigeria is sleepwalking into another Boko Haram quagmire in the making with the continued illegal detention of the Shi’ites leader.”

Chief Imam, University of Abuja, Prof Taofiq Abdulaziz, however, said  the FG should not bow to  pressure  to release El-Zakyzaky, saying “other terrorist groups will get away with their crimes through protests”.

Imam Nojeem Jimoh of The Companion said, “I call on the government to review the situation of El-Zakyzaky and his wife’s detention and make a decision in the overall interest of peace in the country. We do not want another Boko Haram coming out of this.”