IMN flays Sokoto ban on Shiite Ashura procession

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has said the announced ban on Shiite processions by the Sokoto state government is discriminatory and illegal. In a statement by the President of IMN media forum, Ibrahim Musa, the group said Sokoto justice commissioner’s claim about “’ongoing activities of Shiite members in the state that could cause public […]

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has said the announced ban on Shiite processions by the Sokoto state government is discriminatory and illegal.

In a statement by the President of IMN media forum, Ibrahim Musa, the group said Sokoto justice commissioner’s claim about “’ongoing activities of Shiite members in the state that could cause public disorder’” is totally unsubstantiated as the last three processions of the movement was devoid of such.

He said the movement is aware of attempts by the security agencies to carry out false flag attacks in the name of IMN, adding that, “this will not make us shy away from our responsibility of exposing their vile attempts.

“We will like to reiterate to the general public of our commitment to peaceful assembly and protests not only in Sokoto but the nation in general.

“Our annual Ashura procession is a peaceful assembly which is a world-wide phenomenon. It’s all about exposing the killers of Imam Husain the Grandson of our Prophet Muhammad (S).

"Processions in the name of APC and Buhari are allowed, why should the one in the name of the Grand Son of the Prophet be banned?

“We therefore call on the Sokoto state government to rescind its decision to split the blood of innocent people during our peaceful processions.

"It shouldn’t tarnish the image of Sokoto state that has been adjudged to be most peaceful since the inception of Tambuwal’s administration,” the statement read in part.