16/11/2022
PRESS STATEMENT (November 7, 2022)
The Coalition Of Civil Soceity Organizations Under Secure Nation-Builders Call On Nigerian To Adopt The Objectives of the Political Forum
The notion of establishment of a just system is not strange to countries far and wide, let alone Nigeria – a cosmopolitan state blessed with both human and natural resources.
We believe that unity of the people is the foundation of every nation’s development as it fosters good governance, equality, selfless service and collaboration for the common good of all the people of Nigeria.
There is the need for us to decide on a set of standard values that we will live by and nurture for many generations to come .
Having weak governing institutions where people largely and inappropriately rely on sub-optimal indices such as ethnic affiliation, religious links and family ties in the creation, allocation and distribution of resources and values, a country is bound to face disastrous challenges.
At this point , we will like to acknowledge the recent development coming from the Islamic movement in Nigeria with Shia majority adherents for creating a Political Forum. With their solid structure , such a mass movement of millions of people have the capacity to change the equation of the Nigerian political activities as truthfulness , dedication , courage are among their characters.
From what we gathered in light of that, efforts to bridge ethnic divide in Nigeria, Protecting the rights of all Nigerians, facilitating peaceful coexistence and harmony among Nigerians,
ensuring equal distribution of Nigerian resources, safeguarding lives and properties of the Nigerian Population , maintaining diplomatic ties and striving towards social justice , sensitization of the public on their rights and responsibilities are among the objectives of the Political Forum of the Islamic movement in Nigeria.
Base on our findings , the leader of the Islamic movement Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky stick to what he believes as true teachings of Islam, the Sheikh married a Yoruba lady Zeenat Ibraheem, he established an annual programme he named unity week, encourages his disciples to embark on selfless services to their immediate communities in a wide-spread recognition of the need for the unity of the Nigerian people and Africa at large.
Further more , Some of our links with some strong societies such as Red Cross Society informed us that the Shia Muslims under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky are among the highest donors of blood in the country.
Also , some sources from the Christian Association of Nigeria informed us on the level of sacrifices Sheikh Zakzaky made to ensure the safety of Nigerians irrespective of religious beliefs during crises.
It is on record that the Shia Muslim leader has narrated a number of times that when he was in Kirikiri prison with some president Shagari’s ministers under the infamous decree two of the unpopular regime of Buhari/Idiagbon that there had been discussions on the breakup of Nigeria.
The Sheikh refused to comment initially, but when they insisted on his opinion, he said left to him, Nigeria should co-opt other neighboring countries and form a larger united country, where we can utilize our rich and different cultures and diversities.
According to some of his speeches, the renown Sheikh reiterates that unity is essential in maintaining a harmonious and functional society.
On religious aspects, he believes that there are differences, and he has maintained that it is not a problem so long as we respect one another’s views and opinions that Islam does not force anyone to accept and practice it.
Consequently, in his opinion, unity of the people and subsequently societal stability contributes to nation-building.
One aspect of nation-building revolves around economic developments which, in extremely simplified terms, may lead to elevated standards of living; and if channeled efficiently by those in authority, it will decrease poverty rate and income disparity thereby benefiting the populace as a whole.
Despite the killings, the persecutions and the imprisonments, the Shia Muslims, in accordance with their leader’s principles, have refused to take up arms, unlike other groups that threaten the unity and peace of the country.
Daily, we receive news updates highlighting vicious threats by many such groups all over the country airing their grievances as well as seeking for redress with their threats and actions, but are they faring any worse than the Shi’a Muslims?
We’re talking about a group whose leader has been in and out of prisons at various times over the past decades all due to his stance on what he consider as injustice, corruption and oppression against the people.
Over the years, his followers have been killed and tortured on various occasions, the worst being the 2015 massacre that claimed the lives of hundreds of them, leaving thousands orphaned and hundreds having their beloved offsprings and spouses snatched away from them.
Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, leader of the Shia Muslims, has been held captive along with his wife since then, while suffering from various internal and external maladies.
One of the good points explained by the political forum to Nigerians is that the country will only move forward as a country forged in unity, by optimising every single public resource of the country and making the health, economy, safety and the prosperity of its people an urgent concern. There are no shortcuts; fixing Nigeria requires a consistent devotion not just four-year election.
They also explained that proper governance requires thought from committed people who understand the benefits of aligning every level of an organized society to produce desired results.
In conclusion , we are calling on the Political Forum of the Islamic movement not to support any particular person or party with a bad human right record , bad economic record and bad security record.
Signed
Ameh Allen Christopher
08061615843
[email protected]
Halima Bukar
Mabel Abraham
Dr. Agustine Micheal
Comrade E.K Gowin
Prof. H.B Balarabe
Credit to :
Secure Nation Builders
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/11/you-have-the-numbers-to-change-nigeria-in-2023-group-tells-shiites/
https://saharareporters.com/2022/11/08/group-urges-el-zakzakys-shiite-movement-not-support-political-party-history-abuse-poor
https://independent.ng/group-urges-shiites-to-reject-political-party-with-history-of-poor-human-rights-record-poor-security/
https://elanzanews.ng/coalition-tasks-nigerian-to-adopt-objectives-political-forum/
You have the numbers to change Nigeria in 2023, Group tells Shi'ites
A Coalition of civil society organizations, operating under the aegis of Secure Nation-Builders, yesterday, commended members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (better known as Shi'ites) for establishing a political forum.