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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
Bauchi, the capital of Bauchi State, came to a standstill on Sunday as thousands of leaders and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ites, staged a protest against the United States and Israel over the ongoing conflict involving Iran, describing the actions as the hallmark of injustice and oppression.
The protesters marched from the Bauchi Event Centre along Federal Low Cost housing road venue of the 5th International Conference of Islamic Thought organised by the Sisters and Academic Fora under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.
The conference attracted participants, including women and notable scholars from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and other African countries.
Shortly after the end of the three days conference, participants embarked on a peaceful protest to the CBN Roundabout, Bauchi chanting “Death to America” and “We stand with Palestine,” while condemning the decision of the administration of Donald Trump to attack Iran and Israel killings in Palestine.
Speaking at the close of the conference, wife of the movement’s leader, Malamah Zeenatuddeen Ibraheem Zakzaky, stated that lasting peace cannot be achieved in a world where injustice and oppression are ignored.
She urged Muslim faithful to live according to the teachings of Islam by demonstrating love, peace and unity.
“Muslims must live their lives according to how Allah enjoined us in the Qur’an and the way the Prophet has brought it to us.”
She described the US and Israel assault on Iran and Palestine as selfish expansionist policies designed only to benefit Western interests.
She called on Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation, to unite against oppression and injustice, warning citizens not to believe claims that America was coming to solve Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.
“The US is only after the wealth and resources of other countries. Nigerians must be wary. Our leaders must not be caught napping. They must not give room for anyone to seize the sovereignty of our country,” she said.
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Speaking during the rally, Sheikh Muhammad Abbare, the representative of Zakzaky in Gombe State, warned Nigerian politicians to focus on ending killings and injustice across the country rather than early political campaigns.
“It is not about changing from APC to PDP or vice versa. It is about justice for all Nigerians. Leaders must fear God. The only solution is to embrace the teachings of the Holy Prophet,” he said.
Sheik Abbare also accused the United States, Israel and Western powers of seeking domination through oppression, adding that the protest was a strong message that people would always rise against injustice.
One of the organisers, Engineer Abdullahi Musa, a follower of Sheik Zakzaky said the movement had protested for decades against injustice and in solidarity with Palestine.
“We are out today as usual. We have been coming out for a for decades. We have been coming out to show our solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. You see, we have a lot of people that have been shot down. A lot of people have been killed for this cause. And we continue. Why? Because it is mandated for all believers, either Muslim or Christian, whatever religion you think you are practicing, you must act against injustice.
“It’s mandatory. You must act against injustice. The purpose of all the Prophets of God is to come and fight for justice. Jesus Alaihis salam has fought for justice. If you are a Christian, you should know that fighting for justice is part of religion. So that is why we prefer to even lose our lives in fighting for justice.
“Because when we get back to the Almighty God, He will surely ask us, what have you done when people have been oppressed? We will tell Him, God Almighty, we have been fighting for justice and in the process, we were martyred, that is why we are out today”
Musa urged Nigerian authorities to show stronger commitment to defending oppressed people and addressing killings, stressing that humanity should remain the priority.
On the forthcoming elections, he argued that Nigeria’s major challenge was not only leadership but the wider political system, calling on citizens to demand deeper reforms.
Earlier, Islamic scholars addressed the gathering before the march commenced.
