Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also know as Shi’ites will on Friday hold their annual Quds day marches in 24 states of the federation in the absence of their leader, Shiekh Ibrahim Zakzaky ,who has been in detention since December, 2015 after a clash occurred between his members and the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff.
A statement by the President of the Media Forum of the Movement, Ibrahim Musa, called on all people of conscience to join in commemorating the annual event by lending a voice to the oppressed people of Palestine and condemn the Israeli atrocities on them.
He said the IMN, under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky has been in the forefront of observing the Quds Day attended by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike on the last Friday of Ramadan for several decades now.
He added, "The Day is commemorated based on conscience and not only on religious consideration as victims of Zionism and illegal occupation of Palestine include Muslims and Christians alike. Moreover pro-Palestinian protest marches such as this are organized in all parts of the world including Europe and America to mark the International Quds Day.
"The third holiest mosque in Islam, Masjid al Aqsa is under the occupation of the Zionist Israeli regime following the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel. The holy mosque of al Aqsa is the place through which the holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad (PBUH) undertook his night journey when he ascended to the heavens as mentioned in the holy Quran.
"The illegal state of Israel had unleashed a reign of terror on the innocent but strong-hearted people of Palestine for the past 60 years, killing unarmed men, women and children, demolishing their houses and placing thousands in illegal detention and torture."
He lament that "all these are taking place before the very eyes of the world but for reasons best known to them, the international community is simply looking the other way as this state terrorism is taking place with what could best be described as genocide against the people of Palestine."
He said, "It is against this background that the leader of Islamic Revolution in Iran, Ayatullah Ruhullah Khumaini declared the last Friday of every month of Ramadan for people of conscience across the globe to express their support for the Palestinian course and condemn the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel.
"We will also like to seize this opportunity to call on the Nigerian government to immediately and unconditionally release the revered leader of the IMN, His Eminence, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, who has been most active in this course of struggle for humanity and who in the past lost his children in the cause of this struggle for Palestinian freedom."
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
