By Ameh Ejekwonyilo
Abuja
An Igbo youth organisation, South-east Youth Congress, has criticised a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sanusi Khaleel, over an allegation made against former Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha.
The group, at a press conference in Abuja the weekend, condemned the “unsubstantiated allegation made by the cleric that Major Al-Mustapaha was contracted to train snipers for the 2015 general elections.”
“Congress condemns the frivolous and baseless lies by a religious leader alleging that Major Al-Mustapha took a contract to train snipers for the 2015 elections,” the group said.
It called on religious leaders to use their positions to propagate unity and peace of the country.
“Congress appeals to religious leaders to use their positions to propagate unity, peace of our country, Nigeria knowing full well that religion is the opium of the masses.”
The association’s President Mr. Chibuike Asimole, the event was part of preparation for the reception of Major Al-Mustapha by the South-east youths in Enugu.
“The event is being organised to honour Al-Mustapha in recognition of his enormous contributions to youth development across the country”.
He described Al-Mustapha as “a man of great courage in the face of adversity,” and urged him not to relent in his peace building efforts across Nigeria. The group also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to release the Oputa Panel report.
“Congress appeals to President Jonathan to officially release Oputa Panel report as part of ceremony to give a befitting burial for the late legal luminary. Nigerians are eager to know the content of the panel report and there is no better time than now.”