HURIWA seeks better relations between Army, civilians after military/Shiites clash

• Muslim group asks IGP to probe cause of crisis
• A2J condemns attack on Islamic sect

A pro-democracy and Non-Governmental Organisation, Human Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has canvassed for better relations between the civil society and the military.

The group also tasked the Federal Government to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by appointing a vibrant civil society activist to head the Commission for prompt response to cases of violation of the fundamental rights of the citizens.

The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islam Affairs (NSCIA) has meanwhile appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase, to investigate the causes of the clash between the Army and Shiites, to forestall future occurrence.

The Council led by the Secretary General, Ishaq O. Oloyede, paid a visit to the IGP in his office in Abuja yesterday to ask the police to investigate what led to the death of some Muslims and detention of many others suspected to have participated in the procession.

The IGP made it clear that the detainees could be visited by their friends, relatives and lawyers, observing necessary legitimate procedures.”

HURIWA, in a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated that, “the Nigerian military as much as they need the larger society there is need for harmonious relation to avoid conflict. We need each other and at these trying times that Nigeria faces threats of terrorism, there is need to further consolidate on existing civil, military relations for the love of the country.”

Also, rights group, Access to Justice (A2J) has condemned the attack on Sheikh Ibrahim El Zakzaky and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiite Sect) in Zaria.

According to a statement signed by a member of the group, Mrs. Precious Kelechi, A2J has written a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) asking for full investigation into the incident.