From NOAH EBIJE, Kaduna
Apparently worried by recent media reports that he has a link with Hezbollah, alleged terrorist group in the country, leader of Zaria-based Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky said he has no link with the group.
Some national dailies (Daily Sun not among) and international electronic media recently reported that El-Zakzaky was involved in arms running deal in collaboration with Hezbollah.
In a press statement issued yesterday, the spokesman of the movement, Dr. Abdullahi Danladi said the allegation against the Islamic movement leader was calculated to defame him.
However, El- Zakzaky admitted that the Islamic movement received its inspiration from the Islamic Republic of Iran under the late Ayatullah Ruhulla Khumeini to emancipate the masses from the hands of the tyranny.
The statement read: "We are forced to believe that the content of the write-up was issued out by the security agents with the deliberate attempt at defaming the image of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and the character and person of the revered leader of the movement, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.
"Now on the attempt to link up the 'discovered arms' with the Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the able leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, the writers have yet succeeded in displaying his hatred for Islam and his total and absolute ignorance of what the Islamic Movement in Nigeria stands for.
"It has been said and will be reiterated that arms have no place and are not needed in the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. Do you think the teeming followers of the movement that make you and your remote masters prickly were gathered using arms? Belief and commitment to the universal religion of Islam and the call to change people's way of life is what the movement stands for. The movement appeals to human faculty of reasoning to reflect and consider our mission as servants of Allah on earth and shun evils that may detract us from this noble cause.
"It is very true that the poor and oppressed people, whom were described as 'impoverished' look up to the revered leader for hope because they have been neglected, suppressed and oppressed by the wicked and corrupt Nigeria leaders who have turned public resources to their personal accounts.
"The unsubstantiated allegation that 'Zakzaky's opportunistic association with the Iranian regime was rewarded with substantial funds and training, both religious and military' is equally imprudent. Why must it be Iran to provide funds for Sheikh Zakzaky? Who funded the Holy Prophet of Islam that has prospered in changing the world? Who funded Sheikh Usman Fodio when he stood against the tyrannical regime of his time? Who funded Imam Khomeini that was able to gallantly defeat the world arrogant powers backing the Shah during the Islamic revolution in Iran that you claim to be funding Sheikh Zakzaky? For your information, the movement is financed by the simple handout contributions of its members.
Via: Sun News Online