AFRICA

Abuja Protest Not For Confrontation, Shiite Movement Replies US, Police

Barely 12 hours after a public announcement of a planned protest by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the organisation on Friday raised the alarm that the Police and the United States want to disrupt its International Quds Day procession in the country.

The IMN popularly known as Shiites under the I’m leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky, said the US is doing all it can to stop global support for the oppressed people of Palestine.

The United States Embassy in Nigeria had warned its citizens resident in the country to be cautious and take security measures over a planned nationwide protest by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shiites.

Also, the FCT Police Command in Abuja had promised adequate security for residents during the period and beyond.

But the IMN in a statement by Prof. Dauda Nalado, clarified that the International Quds Day is being observed globally, even in the USA, Britain, France, and Israel and not restricted to Nigeria.

He said, “It is obvious to all and sundry that the United States of America (USA) is supporting the ongoing genocide of Palestinians, mostly women and children in Gaza. The USA is doing all it can to stop global support for the oppressed people of Palestine, including the over 40-year-old annual free Palestine rally and procession being observed by the Islamic movement under the leadership of his eminence Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky (H) in many cities across Nigeria.

“The US Embassy in Abuja has released a mischievous letter depicting the planned Quds Day protests of today, Friday, April 5, as confrontational. Again, the Nigerian Police Force made an unusual release to the same effect.

“We would like the public to take note of the following facts: International Quds Day is being observed globally, even in the USA, Britain, France, and Israel. This great day is being observed by people of conscience, people with human minds. It is not an affair of Shiites only. It is not for Muslims only. It involves people of conscious that cuts across religious and ethnic boundaries.

“In Nigeria, this great day has been observed by Muslims from different understandings and by Christians alike for almost four decades now. This day is being observed through marches, protests and demonstrations in many cities, including the capital, Abuja, in Nigeria.

“There is no issue of confrontation. Whenever there is pandemonium, it is solely brought about by an attack by the security operatives who are ordered from ‘the above’ to prevent citizens from exercising their rights.

“We therefore wish to inform the public that the observance of International Quds Day is purely a demonstration of support for the people of Palestine, and there’s no cause for alarm or disruption of peace.”

Friday Olokor, Abuja