Why world needs to speak for Sheikh Zakzaky

By Batool Subeiti

LONDON - Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), and members of his organization faced a brutal crackdown in December 2015 in what came to be known as the Zaria massacre. It was carried out by the Nigerian Army at the behest of the Nigerian regime and its foreign backers in which over a thousand civilians, mostly followers of the movement, were slaughtered in cold blood and hundreds more were arrested. 

Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife, Muallima Zeenah, were shot during a deadly raid at their home by the Nigerian authorities, in which three of their children were mowed down in front of their eyes. A total of six of their sons have been killed by the Nigerian Army, in addition to Sheikh Zakzaky’s sister, Malama Binta Yaqoub, who was burnt alive, along with many other women and children.

Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife have since then been unlawfully detained, despite the Federal High Court in Abuja ruling their detention as illegal and ordering Zakzaky’s unconditional release from jail following a trial. The Buhari regime in Nigeria has so far refused to set him free.

Worse still, Sheikh Zakzaky has been denied medical treatment, putting his life at risk as a result of grave injuries sustained from previous attacks, in which he also lost sight in one eye and the use of one arm. He has also been subjected to worse form of custodial interrogation, according to his aides. His personal doctor has asked for him to be flown abroad for specialised treatment, which is not available in Nigeria, but this request has not been granted so far.

On 6th of July 2019, his only surviving son Mohammad said he was shocked by his father’s deteriorating health after visiting him, stressing that he needed to be immediately hospitalized as “large and dangerous quantities of lead and cadmium have been found in his blood.” 

“The time has virtually run out. This has always been an assassination in progress, and it is almost done. The assassins were clearly determined to see it through,” he was quoted as saying. 

Since then, the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has announced that it received reports about Sheikh’s health condition and that it had worsened after he suffered two strokes in one week.

Despite the relentless oppression unleashed on Sheikh and his followers in recent years, the international community has collectively and shockingly failed to hold the Nigerian government accountable for its crimes, be it the International Criminal Court (ICC) or the corporate mainstream media in countries that raise the hue and cry over ‘human rights’. This begs the question: WHY? 

It is pertinent to note that while the oppression Sheikh and its followers are facing is being carried out by the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian authorities themselves are being pushed to carry out such aggression by those who view this movement as a greater threat – namely those countries that wish to usurp the rights of others and bully sovereign nations to give into their corrupt demands and narrow interests, whilst waving the banner of 'freedom' and 'democracy'. 

Nusaibah Zakzaky, daughter of Sheikh Zakzaky, when asked why she thinks a movement that is so popular with millions of followers has faced such brutal crackdown, gave a thought-provoking answer: “The Nigerian military cannot just act on their own, they must be following orders. This isn’t the first time they have done something like this, they have been doing it for years and they are never held accountable for their actions. We are the only people in Nigeria that really challenge corruption and injustice. The Nigerian Army views us as a threat; throughout our more than 30 years of existence, we have never attacked anybody even when they attack us.”

Islamic Movement in Nigeria, since its establishment around 4 decades ago, has been raising the banner of justice and resistance in all spheres, which is why it is deemed as a threat by the Nigerian regime, which has been demonstrated by the brutal crackdown on multiple occasions. Surely, the nature of oppression Shiekh Zakzaky and his followers have had to face shows the strength and relevance of such a movement, particularly since oppressors are the corrupt powers. 

The IMN has been known to be a non-violent, non-sectarian Islamic movement for decades, having organised peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstrations on an annual basis across Nigeria for over 33 years, primarily in the state of Kaduna, of which the movement's gatherings have been attacked several times by both Boko Haram and the Nigerian army. 

Every year, the Islamic republic of Iran holds an international conference of Shia and Sunni eminent scholars and other Muslim participants from all over the world under the banner of Islamic Unity Week, which is one of the prime activities the IMN is involved in. Nusaibah Zakzaky says in this regard: “My father has never identified himself as a leader of a sect, or the Islamic movement as a sect. So, in this event, Muslims from all over are invited so that we celebrate our similarities rather than our differences.

Given the nature of this movement, it is not strange at all that the Nigerian army is carrying out such crimes. IMN is one of the many revolutionary movements in the region, such as movements in Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Yemen that is confronting the global hegemonic powers ruling the world and it is most certainly posing a threat to countries in the region such as Saudi Arabia, which feels its legitimacy and authority is being threatened and undermined by such movements. 

Saudi Arabia has taken active interest in encouraging the Nigerian government to curb IMN activity where in early 2018 it sent the Nigerian government $10 million in military equipment. Saudi Arabia has also been active in propagating its Wahhabi ideology in Nigeria, which it believes is an ideology that would sustain its despotic regime, through the establishment of the Izala Society, founded in 1978 with Saudi support to spread the kingdom’s brand of Salafism in Nigeria. The society remains an active promoter of Riyadh’s radical school of Islam and is influential in multiple levels of government. Researchers have identified Izala as a fundamentalist group which shares many theological views with the deadly Boko Haram and the organisation is generously sponsored by Saudi Arabia, and is responsible for stirring sectarian hate against Shia and Sufi Muslims in Nigeria.

Surely, the Nigerian Army needs to be held accountable, however, those who deem the movement a greater threat and are pushing the Nigerian authorities to commit such crimes are equally, if not more, responsible. The silence of Western governments, particularly the British government, which is sleeping over such atrocities and is actively cooperating and supporting terrorist governments such as Saudi Arabia need to be questioned and held to account as well. 

The West is surely looking with a microscope at such a movement that threatens their manipulation in the region, and it is their overt and covert backing which is the main reason Saudi Arabia feels it can act in such a way.

Delay in Zakzaky’s case unjust, inhuman

By Huda Z

TEHRAN - The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, who has been battling for critical health issues, was scheduled to appear before the Kaduna State High Court on Wednesday for a hearing to allow him to travel to India for medical treatment.

Over the past few weeks protests have erupted in many countries as a result of a medical report published by a team of doctors led by Islamic Human Rights Commission that found high toxicity levels in the body of ailing Sheikh. 

The court proceedings started around 9 AM in the morning where Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky was represented by Advocate Femi Falana San. The session started with the plaintiff expressing the urgency of the matter citing Sheikh’s health condition. The government counsel complained the late submission of the ‘bulky’ medical report asking for more time, which the judge rejected saying that the claim of the report being bulky was untrue. 

After a round of arguments from both sides and despite plaintiff describing Sheikh’s deteriorating health condition and stating that Sheikh hadn’t slept for seven consecutive days, the court was adjourned for eleven days. The next hearing is now scheduled for 29th of July.
This delay in judgment comes at a time when Sheikh is in critical health condition and is in need of immediate medical attention. 

In an interview published earlier by Zainabia Channel, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Taufeeq Panjwani, one of the members of the medical board that was sent to examine Sheikh, said: ‘We recommended the Nigerian government to allow Sheikh to leave Nigeria for medical treatment as the level of lead toxicity in the Sheikh’s body is very high.’

The Nigerian authorities may allow Sheikh to travel abroad at a later time, but the simple act of delaying the procedure might cause numerous complications in his health. As per the report by the IHRC medical team, one of Sheikh’s eyes is completely damaged, while the other one only has 20 percent vision left. This might be a result of the tragic incident when his residence was raided by the Nigerian army back in 2015, murdering three of his sons and assaulting him. 

There are high possibilities of government interference in postponing and delaying his case in hope of minimizing the international pressure. Amnesty International Nigeria’s Interim Director Makmid Kamara made a statement in 2017 hinting at that. 

He was quoted saying that ‘El-Zakzaky is being unlawfully detained. This might be a part of a wider effort to cover up the gruesome crimes committed by members of the security forces in Zaria in December 2015 that left hundreds dead.’

The Chairman of the Free Zakzaky Campaign Committee Mr. Abdurrahman Abubakar Yola issued a press statement to thank the international activists and allies supporting Sheikh’s cause and stated that ‘when it mattered the most, the court ducked and failed to stand for truth and justice against tyranny and impunity.’

He further added that ‘the applicants are known to be very ill in detention, consequent on the brutal wounds inflicted on them by the state agents in the name of the Nigerian army, the resultant prolonged dehumanizing detention in the custody of the Department of State Services and the obvious poisoning of the Sheikh. .. He has now found to have more than twenty times the toxic levels of lead poison in his body!’

‘Even today, both were unable to walk to the courtroom and had to wait outside while the case went on. In spite of all these, the court has once again allowed the government to kill these innocent people by installments via unnecessary delays,’ said Yola.
Despite its importance, the delay in the case with Sheikh's deteriorating health might not be the only pressing issue regarding him at the moment. There is a chance that an ultimate ruling by the court allowing him to leave the country for treatment may not be implemented at all.

The fact that a 2016 ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that ordering the release of the Sheikh and his wife within 45 days was disregarded by the Nigerian government leaves little hope for a future verdict allowing his international travel for medical purposes to be put into effect.

Justice delayed, as they say, is justice denied. 

 
 

Why Sheikh Zakzaky Should Be Released?

By Najeeb Maigatari

NIGERIA/ JIGAWA - "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” -Martin Luther King Jr. 

The gruesome injustice meted on the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky- courtesy of our deafening silence- is to say the least, the worst atrocity committed in the entire democratic history of Nigeria. 

What led to his arrest, his continued illegal detention even at the face of deteriorating health, the cold blood murder of his 3 biological sons before his very eyes, the killing and burning alive over a thousand of his followers including women and young children, the demolition of his residence, his teaching center, his mother's house and the exhumation of her grave and that of her grandchildren.. Is there justification for any of these? Is there any law- domestic or international- that could justify any of these atrocities? 

To begin with, the Zaria Massacre of 2015, which led to the Sheikh's arrest was a breach of Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1976) which states: "No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". It also violates what is contained in Section 4, Chapter 34 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. During the Zaria Massacre, however, innocent civilians were tortured in the most inhuman manner. Women were insulted, tortured, raped and their modesty desecrated. To this date, the whereabout of several hundred innocent citizens is still unknown. 

Sheikh Zakzaky was arrested alongside his wife Zeenah, after the Nigerian army rained bullets on them. They were shot severely at very close range. The Sheikh lost his left eye at the spot. They were then taken very close to death into illegal custody- incommunicado for the first couple of week- to this date. It is worth noting that the illegal detention of the Sheikh and his wife is a gross violation of section 4 chapter 35 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which uphold the right to personal liberty of every citizen of the state. 

This was in December 2015, almost four years ago. Hitherto, the Sheikh and his wife have been denied access to proper medical attention, let alone allow them to attend to their failing health. In 2016, the personnel assigned to them by the DSS has warned the Nigerian government that Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife need urgent medical attention supposedly outside the country, failure of which the Sheikh may lose his sight completely. The government heeds none of the doctor's words, turned deaf ears and left things to continue as they were- that is to say, lack of proper medical attention- as if all is well with the duo. 

Earlier this year, the Sheikh suffered from an acute stroke that could have cost his dear life- thanks to the neurologist for his timely management. However, the neurologist again strongly pointed out the need for the government to release the Sheikh in order to attend to his health. Still the government, in its attempt to secretly and silently kill the Sheikh, failed to heed his words. Since then, the health condition of the Sheikh and his wife has been deteriorating from bad to worse with each passing day. 

The refusal to let the Sheikh and his wife attend to their health violates Article 10 of the ICCPR which requires that: "All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person". 

A couple of month ago, a team of foreign doctors were allowed to carry out preliminary investigations onto the Sheikh and his wife's health status- for the first time ever in their almost four years in illegal detention- after which they made public their findings.

The Sheikh is diagnosed with more than 7 health complications among of which include severe Lead and Cadmium poisoning, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, Stroke, Malignant Hypertension, Spondylitis, Anophthalmia in one eye and Open-Angle Glaucoma on the other. He was also diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) owing to the gross emotional trauma the Sheikh is subjected to, on daily basis. Each of these health complications requires immediate hospitalization and proper medical attention. 

The story is no different with his wife Zeenah who according to the findings is diagnosed with bilateral osteoarthritis of the knee. A condition characterized by literally 'eating away' the bony cartilages found in joints. Reportedly, she is no longer walking on her feet, but with the aid of a wheelchair. Hypertension, Hyperthyroidism, Chronic Stomach ache, due to shrapnel remains in her stomach, are among other findings. 

The level of Lead in the Sheikh's blood is found to be around 20 times higher than what is considered to be normal, according to the doctors finding. This alone indicates the urgency of the situation. The specialists have made it clear crystal that the duo are in dire need of proper medical attention, like never before, failure of which the worst- that is death- may occur. 

Over the weekend, the only surviving son of the Sheikh, Mohammed Zakzaky, was allowed to visit his parents and sadly the Sheikh has reportedly suffered from another stroke! He not only suffered from the stroke, but his entire health condition has alarmingly deteriorated from bad to worse- within this short period of time. The truth is, Sheikh Zakzaky has suffered the worst atrocities of this government. As a democratic nation, his rights need to be respected and therefore be released immediately. 

There have been numerous calls from clergymen and people of conscience, well-meaning Nigerians, international human right organizations, and peace-loving individuals across the globe, peaceful protests within and outside the country urging the Nigerian government to release the Sheikh and his wife. 

It could be recalled that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has since December 2016 ordered the unconditional release of the Sheikh and his wife. The court also in accordance with Section 4 Chapter 35 Subsection 6 of the constitution of Nigeria ordered that the Sheikh be compensated for his "unconstitutional arrest and detention". To this date, the Nigerian government fails to comply with this valid order of a competent court of the land. 

In addition, last week, the legislators- members House of Representatives- have inequivovally call upon the Federal government to obey court order and release the ailing Sheikh and his wife. In a democratic nation, the demand of the legislators and the judiciary always outweighs that of the executive, especially when it involves enforcing fundamental rights of a citizen or is in the best interest of the state. 

All these said, it is obvious that the continued detention of Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife is "illegal" and by far "unconstitutional". There is no justification, whatsoever, for their detention. It is a clear violation of their every right as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria; the right to life, right to personal liberty, right to dignity of human persons and etcetera. With the judiciary and the legislative recently making a similar call on the federal government- to ensure the Sheikh's release- it is obvious that the continued illegal detention of the Sheikh and his wife is not in the interest of every well-meaning and peace loving Nigerian.

Therefore, Sheikh and his wife should be released immediately and unconditionally as par the order of a competent court of land.

The International Quds Day

By Yusuf Abdullah

NIGERIA - In the name of Allah who states "Glory be to Him Who made His servant go on a night from the Sacred Mosque to the remote mosque of which We have blessed the precincts, so that We may show to him some of our signs; surely He is the Hearing, the Seeing" Q17:1

Peace and blessings of Allah be upon His chosen servant, our master Muhammad, and his purified progeny.

While giving an open invitation to Muslims and the world on August 7th, 1979 to observe the day, Imam Khomeini of blessed memory said "I invite Muslims all over the glove to consecrate the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, which is a day of fate and which could also become the day on which the fate of Palestinian people might be determined as Quds day and to proclaim the legitimate right of the Muslim people of Palestine" The day expresses solidarity and global support to Palestinians, and indeed all other oppressed.

 Observed through processions, conferences, and rallies by nations, human rights activists and civil liberties organizations, this insightful declaration of the Imam evidently received borderless acceptance. 

Established after World War II, Israel was promulgated and recognized by Western powers in 1948. Zionism as a movement developed in the late 1800's which united Jews and saw the forceful creation of the illegal state in place of Palestine, then occupied by only 5% Jewish inhabitants. To quote from Zariani Abdul Rahman's book - HITLER AND THE WANDERING JEW, 1994. Just a few days ago, the diplomacy of the dignified and handsome Semitic Prince Faisal Abdul-Aziz al-Saud was lost on the hysterical crowd of New York Jews who were bent on literally spitting HRH.

 Nine centuries ago, while Christian Crusaders were burning Jerusalem's Jews alive in their synagogue, it was the Muslim Saladin who kindly brought back Jews to Jerusalem, along with his Muslim followers. And 800 years later, within the UN headquarters in Flushing Meadow, New York, this was how the Muslims were paid back for their past kindness to the Jews.    

America was the apparent negotiator and chief architect of all road maps regarding the domination of Palestinians by Israel or what others ignorantly refer as incessant Mid-east conflict. Among other questions arising; was any tangible achievements made in the over seven decades of peace talks? Any optimism in the future? To what extent is the negotiator accused of a double standard?  Then, in whose interest does America work in the process? The other side of the conflict reveals the gainful arms trade to American and other European manufacturers. 

On the ambitious liberation of Palestine, many thought the Arab league formed in 1945, with the aim of strengthening ties among member states, could coordinate their policies and protect their common interests. But what were the achievements of the league? To what extent did the league and its sister Palestinian liberation organization (PLO) achieve their stated objectives?

 The question is how could the Arab league and PLO, established on the basis of Arabism or Nationalism lead to emancipation of Palestine while the same Nationalism was used to destabilize the grand Ottoman Empire and establish Israel in its place? No doubt, Quds Day is the only measure relevant for Quds liberation; the third holiest mosque and the first direction of Muslims.

 Unity is the force behind the call of this great Islamic personality, and ultimate hope for liberation of Palestine and other world oppressed. George Curzon, the British Secretary of state for foreign affairs, 1911-1921 said "we must put an end to anything which brings about Islamic unity between the sons of the Muslims.

 As we have already succeeded in finishing off the caliphate, so we must ensure that there will never arise again unity for the Muslims, whether it be intellectual or cultural unity" “And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves” Q3:103. That is why the spiritual leader of the Islamic revolution in Iran, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei maintains that the ISIS clearly serves the American interest in the Middle-east accusing any cooperation with the U.S. to resolve the Iraqi or Syrian situation of sowing discord and divisions in the region.  

In a borderless sympathy, the day basically sympathizes with Palestinians and other oppressed regardless of all odds, and to fight oppression and injustice as common enemies. The Imam bitterly debunked apartheid and helped Nelson Mandela in the fight against it. On the other hand, Mandela said: "the independence of South Africa was incomplete without the freedom of Palestine". And on his first visit to Tehran after release from long incarceration, he appreciated the fatherly role of the Imam and Iran's historic support. Late Hugo Chavez observed the day where he would be seen at the forefront of the events among other protesters in his country. 

The world is aware of the unfortunate Saudi military campaign against Yemen since 2015. Ironically, it's deliberate aggression by the richest and most influential Muslim Arab nation against the poorest and closest neighbor. The consequence of the aggression in Yemen is what the united nation described as the worst humanitarian crises in contemporary history.  We use this occasion to champion the cause of other world oppressed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Nigeria, and Central Africa among others.

 Since the unfortunate 2015 Zaria massacre, and non-response of the government, endless questions are raised; what was the actual rationale behind the attack on the Islamic movement? On what ground was the Sheikh arrested? In whose interest are the elderly and ailing Sheikh, his wife and other disciples being detained? What is the government's stand on the Federal High Court verdict? 

Why does the government disregard calls of millions of Nigerians on the need to take him abroad for medication? And to what extent will the detention continue? What is the stand of the government on the over one thousand Nigerians killed in Zaria, Kano, and Abuja evidently recorded, and related incidences? This also exposes the lies of the so-called developed nations who claim leading positions in protection and promotion of fundamental human rights across the world.

 What a double stand! If peace, unity, and progress of this country were the uncompromising yardsticks to assess significant relevance of the citizenry, who can dare to compare his eminence, the indefatigable leader of the Islamic Movement, Sheikh Ibraheem el-Zakzaky with any scholar, politician or else in our contemporary history? 

With the access of the London-based Islamic Human Rights Commission; an august umbrella of about 30 Islamic and other nongovernmental organizations of a global network for justice, to the ailing Sheikh and his wife last month, an assessment of their health was made by a team of experts mainly from India. The development was consequent to the Sheikh's lawyer’s incessant notice on their client's health in court sessions as known to all for which the judge mandated the exercise for the duo.

 It is imperative to acknowledge the effort by the people wishing peace to reign and justice to prevail all over the world.  As emphasized by the Imam “the Quds Day is a universal day. It is not an exclusive day for Quds itself. It is a day for the oppressed to rise and stand up against the arrogant.” 

Presently, the world is aware of the US and its allies heightening pressures on Iran fuelling fears for a possible war. The Iranophobia is meant to limit its growing might and influence in the region which is apparently non-achievable. America's withdrawal from JCPOA, continuous moral and military support to Israel and incessant interference in the region is not unconnected with Iran's impressive role in its security and wellbeing. There is no doubt that there is always a limit to oppression. At this juncture, the famous words of Sheikh el-Zakzaky, as he gave hope to oppressed especially Palestinians are relevant "Israel was created by terrorism. No matter the years of oppression, it will crumble"

While sympathizing with the Palestinians on this day, we denounce the enemies' unending brutality and bloodshed especially in Yemen, Somalia, and Nigeria among others. We use the same medium to emphasize the urgent need for the unconditional release of Sheikh Ibraheem el-Zakzaky (H) and his disciples. As we mark the day of the oppressed, we also appreciate the role of all justice-seeking and concerned individuals and organizations on the plight of Palestinians and other oppressed.

Nigeria's Buhari under Saudi influence in respect to Sheikh Zakzaki

By Mohammad Fatemizadeh

TEHRAN – Nigerian senior member of Islamic Movement Dr. Ibrahim Suleiman said that Saudi regime has a Zionist system and structure while stressing the Nigerian President has been supported by Saudis regarding Sheikh Zakzaky.

Recently, the Nigerian government permitted a medical team to visit and examine Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, the leader of Nigeria’s Shia community, and his wife which was also welcomed by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

To shed more light on the issue we discussed it with Dr. Ibrahim Suleiman, senior member of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.

Here is the full text of interview with him:

Q: Please explain about the latest situation of Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife and the reason why they don’t enjoy freedom completely?

A: Sheikh's lack of freedom is strange because three years have passed since the issuance of Sheikh Zakzaky’ freedom verdict but Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has been preventing implementation of the verdict. However, various groups and institutions have been calling for implementing freedom verdict of Nigeria’s top Muslim cleric Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky.

On the other hand, the actions of Nigeria’s president indicate that he is under control and influence of Saudi Arabia regarding Sheikh Zakzaky. Also we do not forget that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has admitted that they prevented Zakzaky’s activities. The silence of the great countries against the shedding of Shia blood in Nigeria is also a clear indication of our claim.

Q: Can the leaders of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria meet Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife in prison?

A: Following lots of efforts made his famil, only his family members were permitted to visit Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife. Sheikh Zakzaky is about 70 years old and his wife is about 60 and they need a doctor for their treatment. He is in bad physical situation.

Q: Do the decline of Saudi power in the region and the failure of their policies reduce the support of Nigeria’s President to suppress Nigeria’s Shia community?

A: The decline of Saudi power in the entire Muslim world is effective.

Q: What is your opinion and position on 'Deal of the Century' and the normalization of the relations of some Arab regimes with Zionists?

A: Wahhabi Al Saud was founded by the Zionists and it has a Zionist system and structure. Al Saud's allies among some Arab countries are the same.

It's really hard but possible to stop implementation of ‘Deal of the Century’. The Palestinian Intifada is able to stop its implementation, but at a great cost.

Revelation: Why Buhari is illegally detaining Sheikh Zakzaky

By Abdulmumin Giwa

NIGERIA / ZARIA KADUNA - The revered leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) has been in illegal detention under the Muhammadu Buhari regime since its inception.

The brutal clampdown on the movement by the Nigerian Army in December 2015, a few months after the regime was sworn-in, attracted world's attention and was condemned as a massacre and genocide by major reputable global rights groups.

Over 1000 followers of the revered leader were butchered between 12th to 14th of December 2015 in Zaria including men, women, and children. Some were burned alive, some killed at close ranges and others buried alive by the team of murderers that were commanded by Buhari, Burutai, and Elrufai. This is not talking about hundreds that were subsequently killed in street protests across the northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

All known laws were violated in the treatment meted on the movement, including the Geneva Convention but hypocritically and mischievously, the killing was shamelessly justified by the government, some Sunni sectarian extremists and the blind supporters of Buhari claiming that the followers of the Islamic leader blocked the way of the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Buratai.

The residence of the revered Sheikh Zakzaky was set ablaze by the Nigerian army where he was taken custody. The house was subsequently demolished by the state government and the rubbles packed to an unknown location to hide the evidence of burning human beings alive, using heavy weapons in unarmed civilians and a display of state terrorism by the government.

All efforts by the government to blackmail the movement and Sheikh Zakzaky proved abortive as the movement, despite the suppression meted on it, sorted for redress through peaceful and legal means.

It is as a result of the movement's effort to prove that it is non violent that it won a case against the Nigerian government where a competent court of jurisdiction, the Federal High Court, ruled that the revered Sheikh Zakzaky be released, a house be provided for him by the government and be compensated to the tune of N25 million each for him and his wife. It also ordered that he be provided special security by the Nigerian police until he feels safe from any attack.

The Nigerian government shamelessly acted in contempt of court and refused to obey the order. In order to justify his continued  detention, a member of the clique of murderers, who is also the governor of Kaduna state, Nasiru Elrufai mischievously concocted another case in Kaduna High Court falsely accusing the revered Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife of abetting killings of innocent persons known to have been killed by the Nigerian army and the police in Kaduna where he is the chief security officer.

More than three years of the Zaria massacre, there is no clear understanding as to why the government launched a terror attack on the unarmed movement.

Along the way, it came to be revealed that it was a plot by America, Israel, and Saudi Arabia to eliminate what they call Iranian influence in the largest black nation in the world.

This didn't bother some of the Nigerians much, especially the blind supporters of Buhari and the sectarian extremists.

Human right activists, Christian groups and others have all condemned the Nigerian government of genocide and this has even taken the matter to the International Criminal Court in the Hague. The case on the movement at the ICC has since passed the preliminary investigation.

Just of recent, it became clear that Sheikh Zakzaky is being molested and suppressed by the Nigerian government because he is a threat to neocolonialism and imperialism taking place in Nigeria today.

Sheikh Zakzaky revealed the incident taking place in Zamfara state and places like Birnin Gwari in Kaduna state. He explained that it is a plot and those in power are signatories to it. They are supported into power through a deceptive process called an election in order to serve the interest of their masters in Europe and America.

They are aware of natural resources deposits, like gold in Zamfara and Birnin Gwari where they want to clear the people there, establish mining fields, landing and take off fields, and foreign military base to enhance the stealing of the resources by those foreigners who are the funders of the killings.

Now that the killings are getting out of hands and more and more Nigerians are becoming concerned about the terror activities, the Nigerian government, out of fear of revolt, is deceptively stopping mining activities in Zamfara and sending the foreigners out of the country.

This plot has since been revealed over six years ago by Sheikh Zakzaky where he advised against the killing of innocent lives and toying with Islam in the mame of religious terrorism. He advised that due processes be established in exploiting such resources and not through deception and inducement of terrorism.

It is now clear that Sheikh Zakzaky is the true savior of Nigeria and Nigerians whose six sons were killed by the alliance of the Nigerian government and the foreigners. He sacrificed his life and everything he has to save Nigeria from invasion by the foreigners who are after the abundant natural resources in the stretch from Sokoto to Maiduguri.

It is now the duty of Nigerians to rise and free the Sheikh and follow him to the path of true freedom and emancipation from the leadership of stooges who exchange the lives of their people for power and wealth. It is now clear why they are after the life of Sheikh Zakzaky.