Dispelling Bullets: The Relationship Between The Government And Shi'ites - A Path To A Triumphant Democracy In Nigeria

By Akilu Sa'adu  The relationship between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, commonly known as Shi'a (or Shi'atl Imam Ali), and th...

By Akilu Sa'adu 

The relationship between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, commonly known as Shi'a (or Shi'atl Imam Ali), and the government has been strained, bloody, and reprehensible for decades. They have been constantly at loggerheads, often leading to violent clashes. A small skirmish with the military may result in split skulls and rivers of blood.

This has been the situation since the attack on Alzakzaky by Burutai during Buhari's democratic dispensation, which led to the massacre of thousands of innocent Shi'ites, including the children of their leader, Sheikh Alzakzaky. The reprisals led to the incarceration of the leader and his wife, Ummu Zinat, for years. Thus, a persistent strained relationship, or better yet, a bullet-relationship, ensued.

The recent brutal ambush on Shi'ites observing their religious rites in Zaria was ignominious and horrific, showcasing a height of moral indecency ever manifested by the government and its military with their "do-as-command" mantra. A democratic government should employ the military as a last resort, not when there are available options for resolving internal conflicts.

The frequent attacks on these people, whenever they come out to practice their beliefs, made me sympathize with the materialistic philosopher Karl Marx and his theory, although I am neither a Marxist nor an adherent of Marxism (I am a moralist and realist).

Karl Marx, a German philosopher, asserted that law is a tool of oppression used by the bourgeoisie to remain in power or maintain the status quo. They use their power to oppress and exploit the working class (proletariat).

Although this reflects the reality of the Nigerian legal system, no group experiences this theory more recurrently than the Shi'ites, upon whom the government finds pleasure in killing. The authorities have been strangling this sect with weapons bought with borrowed money, which is to be repaid from our common patrimony. Instead of using the arsenal for protection, the government uses it for the destruction of the Shi'ite movement alone.

It is melancholic in a country where the right to religion is fundamental and immutable, for the institution collectively empowered by the masses to protect their religious and life rights to come back and hunt their lives and thwart their religious processions. The protector of lives becomes the hunter!

I must say with bafflement that people justifying the murder of Shi'ites by authorized, armed military personnel have no basis to condemn the merciless acts of Bello Turji, Dogo Gide, and their ilk, for they all prey on innocents.

If the same government will refrain from killing Niger Delta persons for their beliefs and aspirations, why not extend the same courtesy to Shi'ites? Which group is more dangerous to the government between IPOB and IMN?

The uncanny bullet relationship between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria and the government lacks legal justification and wisdom; it is derogatory to the government. Suppose the government can imbibe rehabilitative programs to transform offenders and convicts, which is supposed to be a merciful characteristic of governance. Why does the same government employ brute, militaristic, and annihilative mechanisms in dealing with Shi'ites? Are they not citizens with inalienable rights to religion? Even criminals enjoy their minimum rights better than Shi'ites in Nigeria. So unfortunate!

The basis of democracy is a government for the people, which secures the lives of its subjects and maintains policies and rules to safeguard their rights. A democracy without rights becomes an autocracy, leading to abuse of power and a rotten justice system.

Treating equal people equally is one of the principles of the rule of law upon which the pillars of democracy stand. Where differential treatment or favouritism exists based on sect, religion, or tribe, the stave of democracy is distorted.

Nigeria, being a democratic state, must ensure adherence to democratic principles and equal treatment among citizens. In no way should Shi'ites be disadvantaged because of their beliefs. The right to life and the enjoyment of religious rights are sacrosanct for the survival of democracy. Where religious rights can no longer be protected, there will be no essence of the right to life, for life without religion, to some, is death.

Lastly, this bullet relationship is wholly disastrous for an infant democratic country like Nigeria; it jeopardizes the system, breaking its pillars, which will collapse on the people who built it. The government should not be selective, sentimental, or differential toward other people because of their sect and beliefs.

"A king ought not to be subject to a man or sentiment but to God and law. For if he navigates the web of law in this ephemeral world, he will not lose the grip of his Lord (God)."

AKILU SA'ADU is a law student from the Faculty of Law. He is an indigene of Zaria, Kaduna State. He can be reached via email: akilusaadu212@gmail.com