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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
MORE revelations about the Islamic sect, Shi’ites, emerged yesterday when Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), Mallam Nafiu Baba Ahmed said the Shi’ites, under the umbrella of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), pose greater danger to the country than Boko Haram insurgents.
Ahmed stated this when he testified before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Kaduna State Government to investigate the December 12 to 14, 2015 clashes, between the Nigerian Army and the Shi’ites in Zaria.
He warned that failure of government to deal decisively with alleged excesses of the Shi’ites may be too deadly for the nation.
Ahmed also revealed that the late leader of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf had some relationship with the Shi’ites prior to forming his own group, adding that both Mohammed and the Shi’ite leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky had similar attitudes in holding onto their respective doctrines which, according to him, are contrary to Islamic principles.
The Sharia Council leader alleged that the Shi’ites had recently started adopting Boko Haram strategy of intimidation and elimination of Ulamas who were opposed to their doctrines, adding that many have refrained from testifying before the commission for fear of the unknown.
Ahmed, who lamented the initial government handling of Boko Haram with laxity, noted that small fires become huge conflagrations if not tackled in an effective and timely manner. He urged the government to learn from its experience with Boko Haram by dealing decisively with the Shi’ites.
“Failure to act will spell catastrophe for Nigeria,” he said.
The SCSN scribe also emphasised the need for the society to be involved in checkmating the Shi’ites, pointing out that government’s decisions are usually dictated by “political expediency” which may not always reflect the best interest of the people.
