Shiite Islamic Group Reportedly Killed Clerics, Attacked Zaria Emir
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has revealed that the group
actually carried out the assassination of some Islamic clerics and
attacked the Emir of Zaria, Shehu Idris.
Before the group clashed with the Nigerian Army, it reportedly
held Zaria almost under control with the government accusing its
leader of creating another country inside Nigeria.
In a statement titled: ‘MURIC is neither pro-Shiite nor anti-Rufai’,
issued on Wednesday, December 7, Ishaq Akintola, the director
of the Islamic rights group, said: “Well-meaning Nigerians,
particularly from the north where the impact of the group has
been felt most, have sincerely intervened and thrown more light
on the activities and status of the IMN.
“Fresh information has revealed IMN’s attack on the Emir of Zaria,
its alleged involvement in the assassination of some Muslim
clerics, its lack of respect for constituted authority, its posturing
as a government within a government, its alleged possession of
arms, etc.
“In the face of these fresh facts, we are obliged to incorporate the
opinions of our members who are up-North. This is necessary in
order to carry them along. Who feels it knows it. Those who live
very close to the IMN must know IMN better.
“Even while we are not holding brief for the authors of the
allegations, MURIC wishes to state clearly, categorically and
unequivocally that at no point in time had we been pro-Shiite.
“Neither do we share any doctrinal identity with IMN. Our interest
lies in the maintenance of peace in the Nigerian society and the
need to avoid creating another monster like Boko Haram.
“MURIC is as worried as every other Islamic organization about
the doctrinal differences and heretic inclinations of Shiism.
“But sectarian differences are not limited to Islam. Above all, we
are gravely concerned about the self-imposed isolationist
disposition of IMN in relation with mainstream Islam in Nigeria.
“We are equally nonplussed by the group’s refusal to recognize
officially installed leaders. These are big and questionable minuses
for IMN.
“In the light of the above, we affirm that MURIC remains
committed to the goals and aspirations of mainstream Islamdom
which has been pursuing peaceful coexistence, neighbourliness,
tolerance, love, forgiveness and, above all, sacrifice for our great
country, Nigeria under the umbrella of the Nigerian Supreme
Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).”
Daily Post reports that MURIC urged the Shiite group members to
retrace their footsteps in character and doctrine.
MURIC added that the IMN needs better image laundering in
Kaduna state and the north in general.”
Advising that efforts must be made to avoid turning IMN into
another terror machine like the Boko Haram, Akintola
said: “Nonetheless, we stand by our word of caution. Everything
possible must be done to avoid turning IMN into another terror
machine.
“What we need in Nigeria to get out of the current recession is
peace. We also need peace for economic growth and political
stability. We cannot afford another Boko Haram.
“As we round up, we appeal to Governor El-Rufai to ignore IMN’s
unnecessary verbal war against his administration, avoid further
bloody crackdown on the group and concentrate on the good
work he has been doing in governance.
“We call on the Federal Government to investigate the serious
allegation of possession of arms leveled against IMN. This will rest
the controversy surrounding the labeling of IMN as an insurgent
group once and for all.”
