No Ban On Shi’a Muslims- Kaduna State Govt

The Kaduna state Government said on Wednesday that it had not placed any
ban on Shi’a Muslims in the state.
Mr. Samuel Aruwan, the government spokesman said at a news briefing in
Kaduna, that what the government did, was to declare the operation of the
Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) illegal, as the group was not
registered.
“Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) was never a registered organization and
it refuses to conduct itself with full adherence to the laws of Kaduna
state.”
He added that the group had consistently blocked roads and inconvenienced
road users.
“It occupy without permission, facilities that did not belong to it, and
it has ignored the law and neglected the obligations of civility,” he
added.
Aruwan said that the IMN should follow due process and get the required
government certificate for it to operate as an organization.
He noted that other groups that practice Shia Islam were not included in
the ban.
The government spokesman also dismissed insinuations that the state was
trying to muzzle religious freedom, stressing that the restriction on the
IMN has nothing to do with the right to worship.
“The government has a duty to uphold fundamental right and security of
everyone.
“This involves ensuring that nobody exercise their rights in ways that
restrict the right of others or subject them to danger, distress or
violation of their humanity,” he said.
According to him, all residents are free to practice whatever religion
they profess, as guaranteed by the Constitution.
He said that government would only interfere if, in the exercise of such
right, the person infringes on the rights of others and by putting danger
to public order and safety.
“It is the fundamental obligation of the government to preserve the
security and uphold the right of all citizens.”