The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, otherwise known as Shiites has written a solidarity letter to the leadership of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, advising them to sue Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai at the International Criminal Court, ICC, over mass murder of its people.
The Shiites’ letter is coming after a statement made by governor El-Rufai that he paid Fulani ‘terrorists’ to stop killing of innocent villagers in Southern Kaduna.
Shiites which condemned in strong terms, the unprovoked killing of villagers in the area in a letter signed by Ibrahim Musa, President, Media Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and addressed to the National President of SOKAPU, Solomon Musa, said their solidarity to the people of Southern Kaduna was not new.
“We, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, under the distinguished leadership of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, are in solidarity with the entire people of Southern Kaduna and their communities affected by recent spates of killings, which has now come to light that it is inspired and even funded by the current government in Kaduna State.
“Our solidarity with the Southern Kaduna communities and people is nothing new or unusual. We have shared a common long history of injustice meted on our people by the state that were elected and put in place to protect us and cater for our welfare.
“We are groups who face particular oppression and difficulties. We are a community similarly being arbitrarily killed extra-judicially by Kaduna State government, and thus perfectly feel you,” the letter said.
IMN said it understand the pains and anguish of the attacks in Southern Kaduna which it said were similarly to what they are facing based on a series of hate for a people, wilful distortions and omissions.
“We feel similarly betrayed by a governor who rode to power on the shoulders of mass popular support by our people.
“We are particularly concerned that traditionally state officials often resort to stereotyping, stigmatization and divide and rule in order to keep their dominance over us all.
“We in the Movement, we have all along held the view that even if you are not our brothers in faith, you are in humanity.
“That is why you have never and will never see any of our members involved in any sectarian, tribal, religious or regional fight. In fact, our homes and places have always remained comfort and sanctuary zones for Christians and minority tribes whenever such crises erupted in the past.
“It is on record that our members have protected Christians and Christian places of worship during such volatile periods. In reciprocation, we acknowledge the increasing presence of Christians and their clergy in our programs.
“The spirit of mutual trust, understanding and respect can only wax stronger indeed, even as the government try to demonize us with all the might of state apparatus.
“We at the Islamic Movement in Nigeria strongly believe that you cannot allow this affront to go unpunished; hence we advise that you too toe our path of peaceful and legal battle to seek redress.
“We seriously believe that you should articulate your views and position, especially with the self-confession by Nasiru Elrufai, and present same to the International Criminal Court at The Hague.
“What the Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, said while answering questions from select journalists in his office, is undeniable. He is on tape and several news outlets quoted him.
“Governor El-Rufai said, We took certain steps. We got a group of people that were going round trying to trace some of these people … to tell them that there is a new governor who is Fulani like them and has no problem paying …we said no problem, and we paid some.
“There is no mistaken the fact here. We convey the heartfelt sympathies of the entire leadership and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, and extend our hands of support for moves to seek redress against the governor in all courts, in and out of Nigeria,” the statement noted.
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