Another Shiite Group Surfaces; Condems El-Zakzaky’s Movement

A new Shiites movement, Rasulul-A’Azam Foundation, has condemned the activities of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky’s Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and the clash with soldiers in Zaria last year, saying such action was unwarranted.

Speaking yesterday at an interactive session in Kano, Secretary General of the Rasulul-A’Azam Foundation, Sheikh Sani Saleh, told journalists that Shiite movement worldwide respects constituted authority and would not violate social order.

“We have mutual understanding with the authorities and security apparatus. We respect the leadership of the country irrespective of whether Muslim or Christian leaders and we recognise and respect the laws of the land,” he stated.

However, he questioned the mass burial of members of the sect allegedly killed by the military during the Zaria clash. He said Rasulul A’Azam Foundation is the only recognised and registered Shia organisation under the Corporate Affairs Commission, insisting that El-Zakzaky’s group has no affinity to Shia principles.

“While we condemn the activities of the Islamic Movement for blocking the road, we most question the massive killings and mass burial in Kaduna,” Saleh said.