IMN Members Stage Mass Protest in Bauchi Against Iran and Palestine Conflicts
Thousands of members from the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shiites, have organized a significant protest in Bauchi State, voicing strong opposition to the ongoing wars in Iran and Palestine. The demonstrators passionately called for justice and accountability for the victims affected by these international conflicts, highlighting a growing concern among Nigerian Muslims about global humanitarian crises.
International Conference Concludes with Calls for Islamic Adherence
The protest coincided with the closing ceremony of the Fifth International Conference on Islamic Thought, which was held under the theme “The State of Affairs and the Way Out.” This three-day event, meticulously organized by the Sisters Forum and Academic Forum under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, attracted a diverse array of participants from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and various other African nations, fostering cross-border dialogue on Islamic principles.
During the ceremony, Zeenatuddeen Ibraheem Zakzaky, the wife of the Islamic movement's leader, delivered a compelling address. She urged Muslim faithful to rigorously align their lives with the teachings of Islam as outlined in the Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. “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 emphasized, underscoring the conference's core objective to remind adherents of their responsibility to embody true Islamic values in daily practice.
Criticism of Global Powers and Calls for Vigilance
Zeenatuddeen Zakzaky provided a sharp critique of the conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, framing them as a fundamental struggle between oppressors and the oppressed, as well as between truth and falsehood. She argued that lasting peace and sustainable development are unattainable in a world where injustice is systematically ignored or perpetuated.
She described the actions of the United States and Israel in Iran and Palestine as driven by expansionist policies and self-interest, cautioning Nigerians to remain vigilant against foreign influence that could undermine national sovereignty. “Narratives suggesting that the United States could resolve Nigeria's insecurity challenges are misleading,” she warned, insisting that protecting national autonomy is paramount in addressing domestic issues.
Academic and Religious Leaders Echo Calls for Justice
Dr. Fatima Ismail of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria reinforced these sentiments, explaining that the annual conference is designed to promote awareness of justice and encourage resistance against oppression on a global scale. She called for unity among Muslims and Christians, stressing that all individuals must actively oppose injustice wherever it occurs. “Silence in the face of oppression only worsens global conditions,” she asserted, urging collective action to combat systemic wrongs.
Dr. Ismail further appealed to the Nigerian government to adopt a stronger and more proactive stance against global injustice, criticizing current responses as insufficient in addressing the root causes of international conflicts.
Advice to Nigerian Political Leaders
Sheikh Muhammad Abbare, representing Sheikh Zakzaky in Gombe State, also addressed the gathering, offering pointed advice to Nigerian political leaders. He urged them to prioritize ending killings and injustice within the country rather than focusing prematurely on election campaigns. “Good governance must be rooted in justice and the fear of God,” he stated, emphasizing that ethical leadership is essential for national stability and progress.
Sheikh Abbare added that global powers, including the United States and Israel, are contributing to widespread oppression worldwide, calling for a reevaluation of international relations and domestic policies to foster a more just and equitable society.
