MURIC supports federal government on proscription of Shiites

Court adjourns ruling on El-Zakzaky’s bail application

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has endorsed the proscription of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shiites, by the Federal Government.

In a statement yesterday by its Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola in Ibadan, MURIC said that government’s action was imperative and decisive owing to Shiites’ violent disposition and disrespect to constitutional authorities.

The group said: “MURIC recognises the right of Shiites to practise their faith but strictly within recognised rules of engagement. “They must genuinely renounce violence and pledge to stop the harassment of other citizens, review their revolutionary tenets.”

MURIC, which urged the civil society groups to ponder over Shiite ideology, which rejects the federal constitution, all constituted authorities within the country, including traditional rulers, also cautioned the Iranian government to desist from interfering in the internal affairs of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the bail application for the Shiites leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, suffered a setback yesterday at the High Court in Kaduna, as he failed to appear for trial.His lead counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), pleaded with the court to consider the medical report of his client’s condition and determine the plea in his favour.

But the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Bayero Dari, however, opposed the defendant’s claim, saying that there are enough hospitals in Kaduna that can adequately resolve whatever health challenges El-Zakzaky is facing.Consequently, the judge, Justice Darius Khobo, said that having heard from the two counsel, the court would consider their submissions and deliver ruling on Monday, August 5, 2019.