Shiites are threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty – El-Rufai

Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai has stated that the Islamic sect – Islamic Movement in Nigeria [IMN], also known as Shiites – if allowed to exist, constitutes a threat to the corporate existence of Nigeria.

Governor El-Rufai stated this while explaining why the group was outlawed by the state government to journalists on Sunday.

 He said that the group has an agenda to cause a religious conflict in Nigeria for political relevance contrary to the tenets and teachings of Islam.

The Governor further said that its leader Sheikh Ibrahim El Zakzaky and members, have refused to respect constituted authorities.

He noted that their activities amount to running a parallel government against the state.

He says the IMN apart from being an illegal religious organisation, was in the habit of harassing and intimidating members of the public with impunity for several years.

The Governor also cleared the air over the perception of the state government’s action to outlaw the IMN.

He stated that as a government, they cannot ban any religious group that operates within the confines of the law.

He, however, maintained that he can declare any organisation as unlawful if it poses a threat to the peace and security of the state.

In another development, the controversial governor came under fire in the media of recent when he issued demolition notices to 3,500 houses, 40 churches and 16 schools.

Consequently, a large crowd of  residents of Gbagyi Villa – a suburb of Kaduna metropolis – on March 17, trooped out, carrying placards in protest against demolition notices issued to them by Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Authority, KASUPDA.  

The residents said they had been living in the community for decades and had acquired the necessary titles to the lands and, as such, were jolted by the intention of Kaduna State government to eject them.

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