Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has called on the International
Criminal Court (ICC), Amnesty International and other world bodies to
investigate the murder of members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN)
otherwise known as Shi’ite Muslim group in Zaria, Kaduna state and Kano
State, as well as the ongoing killings in the Southern Kaduna.
The governor described the detention since last year December, of the
leader of the Shi’ite sect, Ibrahim Zakzaky, and some of his members as
inhuman, clear contravention of his fundamental human rights, and an
affront on the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, saying; “all well-meaning
Nigerians must prevail on the federal government to release Ibrahim
Zakzaky without further delay.”
Reacting to the latest onslaught of the Shi’ite Muslims in Kano State,
which reportedly led to the death of over 10 people, Governor Fayose, who
spoke through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New
Media, Lere Olayinka, said; “murder of over 300 Nigerians, who are members
of the IMN in one day and their burial in mass graves, as well as
continuous murder of the Shi’ite sect should attract the attention of the
ICC.”
The governor said he was worried that firearms, which should only be used
as a last resort, are now being used to prevent Nigerians from expressing
their religious faith, adding that; “Under international human rights law
governing the use of firearms during policing operations, the intentional
use of lethal force is only permitted when strictly unavoidable, to
protect life.”
He described the detention of Ibrahim Zakzaky, since last year December as
unjustifiable, saying; “In a month time, it will be exactly one year since
Ibrahim Zakzaky was arrested and detained without trial. This is
unacceptable in a democratic society where there should be strict
adherence to the rule of law.”
Governor Fayose also express worries over the persistent killings in the
Southern Kaduna where four communities were invaded and over 30 persons,
including pregnant women and children killed this week alone. Regrettably,
federal government has kept mute.”
“Democracy guarantees freedom of religion, movement, association,
opinions and thoughts. It is however worrisome that inspite of these
inalienable rights, members of the Shi’ite Muslim sect are still being
persecuted and alienated.
“Therefore, the ICC, Amnesty International and other relevant
international organisations must intervene in the killings of the Shi’ite
Muslim group with the aim of bringing those found culpable to justice,
thereby putting a permanent stop to the inhuman acts,” the governor said.