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Shi’ite: Punish El-Zakzaky, Iran For Sponsoring Terrorism -Nigerians
The Agenda for Terrorism-Free Nigeria, ATFN, yesterday called on the United Nations, to sanction the Islamic Republic of Iran and the embattled leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky for allegedly sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria.
Members of ATFN made the call at the UN office in Abuja, while protesting against the alleged alliance between Iranian government and the INM.
Report had it during the weekend that the El-Zakzaky-led group was getting support from Iran.
However, the convener of the group, Danesi Momoh Prince, while addressing protesters, urged the UN to call the Islamic Republic of Iran to order to desist from sponsoring instability against Nigeria.
According to Prince: “The Agenda for Terrorism Free Nigeria (ATFN) found it pertinent to lead this protest march here, to the United Nations (UN) Offices in Nigeria today because of our firm belief that somewhere in the in the chaos that some state sponsors of terrorism are attempting to impose on the world there is order.
“That order is embodied by the UN, which through its organs is able to prevail on erring country to show respect, not just for the future and safety of the human race but also for the sovereignty of other nations, which is the recipe for peace and the assurance that nations do not embark on mutually guaranteed self-destruction.
“From the demographics of those taking part in this march against importation of terrorism and extremism into Nigeria, it is apparent that we comprise of various groups. Many of us had in the past raised alarms about the activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nigeria as manifested by its puppet group, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). This is a group that has become the new face of Iranian sponsorship of terrorism abroad.
“A further disclaimer we will make from the onset is that our organizations acknowledge and fully commit to Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted by the UN in 1966. Article 18 clearly states that:
“1 Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.
3. Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
4. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.
“We therefore, affirm that our protest today is not in any way construed to deny Iran and IMN members the right to subscribe to the Shia brand of Islam. We state this clearly because of the misconception that they have come to make the world believe that they are victims of persecution because of their faith, which is not the truth. The reality is that IMN as Iran’s proxy in Nigeria is denying others not just the rights guaranteed in Article 18 but other liberties that the world had agreed to accord humans across the planet. They deprive others of their lives.
“Whatever crimes IMN had committed on behalf of Iran in the past have now paled in comparison to the latest coup they plotted against Nigeria. Trying to re-enact the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which transited that country into an Islamic Republic, IMN members on April 24, 2019 forcefully invaded the National Assembly of Nigeria with a view to overthrowing the parliament. It is no coincidence that this happened 40 years from the Iranian Revolution and about in as many years since the IMN leader, Mr. Ibrahim el-Zakyzaky, was first indoctrinated by that country.
“This invasion is an affront on the rights of other Nigerians who have no desire to see their parliament overthrown by fanatics and replaced with a sectarian conclave because this was exactly what the IMN members reportedly have in mind even though they hid their attack behind claims that they were agitating for the release of their leader.
“It is well known that Nigeria is presently battling Boko Haram terrorists, who sadly have foreign components that are yet to be diffused till date. It is unacceptable for Iran to add another terrorist organization to the list of foreign sponsored criminality that citizens now have to endure.
“Concerns had been expressed in the past about how IMN is the Iranian vehicle for radicalizing youths to rise against and undermine the Nigerian state. The radicalized extremists seems to have now received their marching order to openly attack the state in an attempt to cause mayhem in the country. We consequently hold Iran accountable for any breach in security caused by its IMN extremists.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that the impact of flooding and erosion on the inhabitants of Rivers State, especially those living in coastal communities, are of great concerns to the government.
Governor Fubara lamented the consequences of flood on both human and biotic life, which sometimes lead to loss of life, property, and degradation of the environment.
The Governor made the remark in Port Harcourt during the launch of a book titled, ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,” written by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, his administration, would continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies to combat flooding.
In his words: “The Rivers State Government will continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies, such as construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoring coastal ecology and ecosystem for coastal resilience and where necessary, the relocation of communities on the coastline.
“These issues are currently receiving the much needed attention and intervention by the recent approval of the construction of shoreline protection along the coastlines of more than five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs respectively.”
“It is important that as stakeholders in the protection and preservation of marine environment, we all act and advocate for mitigation strategies such as reduction in emission of Green House Gasses that causes climate change and rise in sea levels. Let us promote the use of clean energy and against fossil fuel.
Governor Fubara further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways.
“We also need to encourage our people to stop developing buildings on and along natural water courses, indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities on our coastline without consideration for mangroves and swamps,” he stressed.
He appreciated the author for his advanced contributions to the body of knowledge in both Rivers State and globally.
Also speaking, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, who was Royal Father at the Event, stated that the book was timely to enable stakeholders manage the challenges of global warming.
“Global warming is real. If it’s not addressed globally, a time will come coastal areas will find themselves under water. The coastline of Nigeria is shocking with many mangroves gone,” he noted.
The Reviewer of the Book, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the 14-chapter book is timeous as it fills literary gaps between desire and available knowledge on coastal flood and erosion in developing communities.,
“A major beauty of the book that sets it apart is the detailed consideration of flood and erosion control from around the world,” he stated, adding that the book is based on detailed field investigation.