From Desmond Mgboh/Kano
Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has counseled Islamic scholars and leaders to preach in favour of peaceful co-existence on issues of individuals’ right in the society as contained in the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet.
The Minister gave the advice, in his office, while receiving a 10-man delegation of the NSCIA Contact Committee set up on the possible release of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Shiites Islamic Sect.
The delegation was led by its Chairman, Professor Daud Noibi and included His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the National President, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
A statement signed by Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity said the Minister described the recent clash between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shiites and the Nigerian Army in Zaria as unfortunate and sad.
The Minister noted that the clash was avoidable, stressing the need to review the incident in order to work out modalities on how to avoid its reoccurrence.
The Minister enjoined the 10-man delegation to formalise their request to the Federal Government for the release of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Shiites Islamic Sect and the bodies of their members primarily due to the sensitivity of the issue.
He assured them that a Commission of Inquiry would be constituted but was still uncertain whether it would be at the Federal or the state in whose territorial jurisdiction the incident happened.
“I will do whatever I can within the confines of the law to see how an amicable settlement can be achieved. So when your demands are formalized, I will treat and forward it to the appropriate quarters accordingly.”
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the NSCIA delegation, Professor Daud Noibi told the AGF that when the Army/Shiites clash occurred, the Council quickly summoned a meeting presided over by the Sultan of Sokoto with a view to seek ways for a sheathe of sword by the warring parties.
He sought the inclusion of the representatives of the Nigerian SupremeCouncil of Islamic Affairs in the Commission of Inquiry to be set up by the Federal Government .
Members of the delegation includes the National Secretary of the Council, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Malam Yunus Ustaz (SAN), Professor Dahiru Yahaya, Mallam Musemil Hanga, Professor Ibrahim Suleiman, Alhaji Ibrahim Jega, Malam. Ishaq K. Sanni, Imam A.R. Ahmad, Mr. Abubakar Tsav (rtd), a former Commissioner of Police, lagos State and Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN).
http://sunnewsonline.com/new/army-shiites-clash-agf-urges-islamic-leaders-to-preach-peaceful-co-existence-to-their-followers/