By Awaal Gata
Abuja
Islamic Republic of Iran has called for the release of the leader of Shi’ite Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, saying his continued detention was illegal.
Iran expressed the belief that El-Zakzaky’s detention was not in tandem with the Nigerian constitution, stating that his release would heal the wounds ISN’s members.
The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Saeed Koozechi, who said this during an interview with journalists yesterday in Abuja, also advised the federal government to compensate those who suffered various losses during the bloody clash between the Shi’ite movement and the Army in Zaria.
He described the sect as a peaceful religious movement which had no connection to extremism, and called for a transparent probe into the clash as well as fair prosecution of those involved.
He said: “The Shi’ite is a small minority group in Nigeria, they engage in peaceful religious activities, they are not harmful to anyone. We have never heard of unrest and extremism from the Shi’ite followers in Nigeria.
“The Zaria incident is unfortunate and regrettable. We hope the investigation and prosecution will be fair and transparent. We hope the government will assist those who suffered financial losses during the clash.
“We don’t believe the continued detention of El-Zakzaky is legal or fair, he shouldn’t be kept for a long time. We look forward to seeing his release and his wife soon. The Shi’ites are Nigerians too and they have rights like other citizens. The government must be clever to not pour fuel on fire. Recognising the rights of minorities is a real value to social development.”
