Kaduna-based revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh (Dr.) Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has alleged Leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ite, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky has been running a parallel government in most parts of the north in the last 40 years.

Speaking to newsmen Tuesday, Dr Gumi said that ‘’the Shi’ites have been embarking on military training and producing cadets and soldiers.’’ The Islamic cleric further alleged that they were ‘’operating a state within a state.’’

According to Sheik Gumi, ‘’The Islamic Movement of Nigeria does not recognise the corporate entity of Nigeria. The group is not registered. They operate above the law and they get direct foreign aid,’’ he further alleged.

He stated further that, former President Umaru Yar’adua had told him of the massive importation of ammunitions and weapons to different parts of the country, adding that the president had mentioned Iran as supplying arms to the Shiites.

The Medical Doctor-turned Islamic scholar said that the recent clash between Shiites and soldiers was ‘’a divine intervention to prevent us from a catastrophe like that of Boko Haram. It came sudden and powerful to eradicate and uproot any plan that they must have been having to harm the society.’’

Gumi said that he had written Zakzaky about a year ago, warning him about the dangers of blocking roads during the annual Ar’baeen trek, where his follower travelled on foot from all over the country to Zaria.

He said that blocking road is an abomination in Islam.
The scholar warned that the north will continue to be under-developed if the twin evils of shia and Boko Haram are not eradicated, adding that ‘’the strife and unnecessary blocking of roads and shouting slogans on the way increases the tension in the north.’’