There has been a lot of comments coming from various quarters and sections of the nation and the world at large concerning the actions of the Nigerian Army over their clash with the shiite group in Gyllesu-Zaria on 12/12/15. The residents of Zaria are generally in support of the Army. For residents of Zaria, the shiite group have become a nuisance.

They harass pedestrians and innocent motorist during their processions, they obstruct the use of public highways, roads and market/shopping areas. Residents see the group as a parallel government in the town. Every time the convoy of Zakzaky is moving in Zaria, all roads he intends to follow are closed off and vehicles are forced to park aside until he has pass. Many people see this as arrogant and provocative display of power.

The fact that the group often curse and condemn the first three muslin caliphs along with the wives and companions of the Prophet of Islam has been a constant source of tension between them and the majority Sunni residents of Zaria.

For these residents, the actions of the Nigerian Army is not only a welcome development but long over due. Since fmr. Gov of Kaduna, Ahmad Mohammed Makarfi released Zakzaky from prison when he was detained by the late Gen. Sani Abacha, the shiite leader has assumed he is untouchable, with an aura of divinity surrounding his person. He has assumed that his sponsors and backers, especially Iran will keep him safe and protected from whatever. There are others however, who consider the killing and destruction of shiites and their properties as an act of aggression, provocation and a deliberate attempt to unlawfully deny a religious group their fundamental right to practice their religion, assembly, liberty and life.



Before NTA Nigeria broadcast images and videos of the incidence, particularly the obstruction of the Army chief motorcade, their has been denials by Zakzaky and his followers that nothing like that happened. The Nigeria Human Rights Commission was quick to condemn the way the Army Chief motorcade was obstructed by the group. It is very important to understand that the actions of the Army is well within the law. Section 33 of the constitution of Nigeria (1999 as amended) on the Right to life applies to this incidence as it concerns the loss of lives and property.

One exception to this right (proviso to the right to life) is that a citizen of Nigeria can lawfully loose his life if he joins a riot and the security forces take any action to stop the riot. Look carefully at the pictures and the video of the incidence as seen on NTA and other media, you will see the followers of zakzaky blocking the ‘public’ road, obstructing public officers-the army from carrying out their legitimate duties, burning tyres, brandishing machetes and cutlass and sling shots, chanting war songs and provoking the Army to fight, etc. This is a riot, an unlawful assembly and an act of treasonable felony.

It is sad that so many lives were lost and properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed, nonetheless every citizen of Nigeria must be law-abiding so that the rule of law will prevail. However, and sincerely, the shiite group brought it upon themselves. One thing is certain now, Zakzaky is not khomaini, Nigeria is not Iran, and 2015 is not 1979.

Wale Adeniyi, a content editor with TheNews.NG, holds a BSc Business Administration from Bowen University. He writes from Ilorin, Nigeria.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TheNews.NG.

Your own opinion articles are welcome at newsroom@thenews.ng — drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why.

cc lalasticala