Nigerian Shia Muslims’ Focus on National Unity

Date: 26 June 2022 - 21:26

News ID: ۱۰۴۱۴۲

By: Kayhan Int’l Staff Writer

It is often said that Nigeria, Africa’s most populated country which is made up of 250 ethnic groups speaking 500 distinct languages and all identifying with a wide variety of cultures, is difficult to govern.

Presidential elections are to be held early next year and with incumbent Muhamedu Buhari unlikely to be re-elected because of his advanced age, coupled with mismanagement of the past two four-year terms, several candidates from different parties are vying for the Chief Executive’s post.

The country of 216 million people, of whom some 60 percent are Muslims – the rest being Christians and animists – is rich in oil and gas resources, and boasts of being Africa’s largest economy, but widespread corruption has prevented Nigeria from eradicating poverty and backwardness in order to join the community of developing states.

This has led to runaway inflation and rampant terrorism (spearheaded by the Boko Haram takfiri outfit), and of course, open violation of democratic principles, as was evident by the personal vendetta of President Buhari in taking orders from Saudi Arabia and Israel to persecute the rapidly growing community of Shia Muslims and imprison on spurious charges the prominent leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.

The Sheikh, who leads the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), was released from prison last month after six years of imprisonment along with his wife, despite the long pending verdict of the Federal Court for his freedom, bears no grudges against his persecutors.

He calls for respect for the birthrights of the 14 million Shia Muslim citizens as guaranteed by the national constitution, solidarity among all Nigerians irrespective of their religious and ethnic affinities, and serious measures against corruption and terrorism, so as to build a strong and stable welfare state.

Recently, Sheikh Zakzaky deplored the sorry state of affairs prevailing under the highly discriminatory rule of Buhari, saying: “They (the enemies of religion) expect the only way to succeed is to carry a gun and shoot only.

These sentiments are echoed by other prominent Nigerian figures of both the Christians and the Muslims, including the traditional Sufi orders who resent the distortion of Islamic values by Saudi-sponsored Wahhabi groups, whose only aim is to spread sedition amongst Muslims and hatred towards the followers of other religions through the unbridled acts of terrorism by Boko Haram and similar factions that have infiltrated the administrative system.

In this regard, the Imam Mahdi Foundation, a Shia Muslim organization promoting peace and understanding, has called on Nigerians to reconsider the need for peace, unity and understanding to pave way for development and progress in Nigeria.

Mohammad Ibrahim Gamawa, the chairman of the Imam Mahdi Foundation, said in his recent statement that as a multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual union, Nigeria is blessed in its diversity.

He added: “It is our duty as Nigerians to exploit this God-given opportunity for the betterment of our nation and posterity. Once again we are going through a season of politics to decide who will lead our country. It is time for Nigerians to look inwards and vote for leaders who can make the country a better place irrespective of tribe, region or religion.”

Wise words indeed! This is ample proof of the fact that Nigerian Shia Muslims are dedicated to the peace, progress, and stability of their homeland.

Therefore, for the betterment of Nigeria and preservation of its unity in diversity, the authorities, whether the present ones or those to come after the presidential elections, should discharge their duties sincerely in bringing an end to the nefarious activities of the various groups of bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, shadowy gunmen, rustlers and others, especially those taking orders from Riyadh, Tel Aviv and Washington to backstab their own country and fellow citizens.