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.
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.
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.
