MURIC Advocates Proscription Of Shiites Group

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) on Monday, stressed the need for the Federal Government to proscribe  the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shiites.

 

Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the proscription of the Shi’ites’ movement as protests by the Islamic organisation rock Abuja.

 

In a statement issued on  in Ibadan , by its Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC said the government action was imperative and decisive owing to Shiites’ violent disposition and disrespect to constitutional authority.

 

MURIC which had earlier suggested dialogue for amicable settlement of the Shiites issue said it reviewed its position following certain developments.

 

The Islamic group noted that the government had been accused of failure to take decisive action to stem the tide of insecurity.

 

It called on civil society to ponder over Shiite ideology which rejects the federal constitution, all constituted authority within the country including traditional rulers.

 

The group said that Boko Haram would not have festered so badly had former President Goodluck Jonathan promptly taken decisive action against their excesses.

 

The Islamic group, therefore, enjoined members of the civil society and individuals defending the Shiites to look at the larger picture of events.

 

“MURIC recognises the right of Shiites to practice their faith but strictly within recognised rules of engagement.

 

“Shiites must respect Allah-given fundamental rights of their neighbours.

 

“They must genuinely renounce violence and pledge to stop the harassment of other citizens, review their revolutionary tenets particularly that which refuses to recognise federal and state governments.

 

“It is treasonable to vehemently persist that they will only recognise an Islamic government based on Shiite ideology alone,’’ MURIC said.

 

“It will be recalled that we suggested that FG should initiate dialogue with the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim community and leaders of IMN in order to find an amicable settlement for the Shiite imbroglio.

 

“But more revelations have since come to our attention in the last 48 hours.

 

“For example, at least two Muslim neighbours of the Shiites came out openly and in writing to reveal stunning incidents of the use of violence by the group and their experiences date back to the 90s.

 

“A major Islamic organisation which is based in the North, the Jamaatu Ikhmad al-Bid’ah wa Ihyais-Sunnah (JIBWIS) also issued a strong statement calling on FG not to handle the Shiites with soft gloves.