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From Jonas Ike, Abuja
The 360 Members of the House of Representatives were on Tuesday divided on the propriety and otherwise of the release of the Leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria also known as Shiites Sheik Ibrahim Elzakzaky.
This followed the rejection of a motion by Hon. Shamsudden Bello representing Sumaila/Taka Federal Constituency of Kano State on the matter on the floor of the House by the lawmakers.
Bello while debating the motion noted that with concerns the act of terrorism on Monday July 22, 2019 by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiites) within the Federal Capital Territory FCT that destabilized political, constitutional, economic and social structures or the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Monday.
He further noted that several other dates before now, members if Shiite have done and threatened to do an act preparatory to and or in furtherance of an act of terrorism including destroying of public utilities and attack on security personnel.
He pointed out that this act seriously intimidates the population of Abuja as well as it’s environment ns and also damages or intends to damage the corporate existence of Nigeria as a nation.
He added that there is need to direct the Inspector-General General of Police IGP Mohammed Adamu to initiate the proscription of the INM and declare their existence unlawful in Nigeria.
He said: “the continuous violent protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiites) negates the corporate existence of Nigeria”.
The lawmaker therefore urged the House to constitute and Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate the matter and added that it should offet appropriate measures to address this menace in one week.
Other lawmaker notably Hon. Adeniyi Olajide (Oyo, PDP), Hon.Oniofon Luke (Akwa-Ibom, PDP) and Hon Francis Agbo (Benue, PDP) also spoke in support of the motion notice the existence of the Shiites is exacerbating the problem of insecurity in Nigeria.
Oniofon amended the motion to the effect that the House leadership should invite the Security Chiefs to interface with them with a view to addressing the issue.
Consequently, the Speaker Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila put the matter to a voice vote and the lawmakers voted against it.
The House immediately went rowdy as those calling on the Federal Government to release the Islamic leader rejected it.
Gbajabiamila however asked that the House should divide into two groups of pro and anti lawmakers against the motion.
On this premise, the House immediately dissolved into an 1/2 hour executive session of the lawmakers to address this lingering security issue.
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