News / Interviews

Ban on Nigeria's Islamic movement to put it in spotlight: Commentator

Sunday, 09 October 2016 8:03 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 09 October 2016 11:28 AM ]

Protesters from the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) hold a banner with a photograph of detained leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky to press for his release in northern Nigerian city of Kano, on August 11, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

The Nigerian state of Kaduna has declared a mainstream Shia group led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky as illegal as part of the state crackdown against the Muslim community.

The Kaduna state government warned on Friday that those convicted of being a member of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) could be imprisoned for seven years, fined or both.

In an interview with Press TV’s ‘The Debate’ on Saturday night, Ayo Johnson, an African affairs expert, described the decision as "a big mistake" with potential grave consequences for Nigeria on the international and domestic scenes.

“I think Nigeria is going through a very tricky and trying time. It is virtually at a crossroads domestically and politically. It would appear that the political change that they had in Nigeria with a new president hasn't really resolved all the problems,” Johnson argued.

He also added that in his view the ban on IMN is a decision made by local officials and not the central government.

Nigeria follows a system very similar to that of the US, he noted, adding the country has a federal system which breaks down to several local governments which are totally free to make their own decisions.

“But if the government wished, they could interfere. They haven't done so thus far which surprises me, because for a Shia minority group to be treated in this fashion is one that I would believe would raise a lot of red flags at central government level.”

**The image grab shows Abdul Alim Musa (L), the Imam of Masjid al-Islam from Washington, and Ayo Johnson, an African affairs expert from London, attending Press TV's 'The Debate' on Saturday night.**

Meanwhile, Abdul Alim Musa, the Imam of Masjid al-Islam joining the show from Washington, asserted that the ban on IMN is part of a global plot against Muslims, especially the Shias, at the beginning of Muharram, the first lunar month which marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of the third Shia Imam.

“Allamah Zakzaky stood for unity in the society. He pulled Muslims and Christians together. This is a big feat for Nigeria where there is constant fitna [sedition],” Musa said.

He said he was puzzled as to why the Nigerian government should suppress a non-violent group that has been striving for unity and integrity of the country, adding that in his opinion, such restrictions would make IMN even more popular.

“If you want to get someone to read a book, ban the book. If you want to gain worldwide notoriety for people, then ban those people … When you ban something, you make people more interested,” Musa said.

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