Joseph Bakare
Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), have called for immediate release of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
They made their demand known on Wednesday, December 25.
El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeinat, are more qualified for release according to claims from IMN followers; than Col. Sambo Dasuki and Omoyele Sowore, who were freed on Tuesday.
The IMN Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Musa, in a statement noted that; although they were happy for the release of Dasuki and Sowore, their expectation was El-Zakzaky would have been released alongside the two.
Musa said: “The release of the Sheikh was our expectation. It was our expectation also that Sheikh El-Zakzaky would be released alongside Sowore and Dasuki.
“This is because if you look at what the Minister said is the reason for releasing Dasuki and Sowore; you will notice that Sheikh El-Zakzaky is more qualified to be released; because there is a valid court ruling that he should be released.
“America has also talked about the release of El-Zakzaky; but we do not know what went wrong and what the government is planning.
“He was visited last week. Since the news of the release of Dasuki and Sowore broke, he has not felt bad; but he and his followers believe that what happened to us has been decreed by Allah.
“We are going to keep on mounting pressure on the government to release our leader. In a recent interview with the BBC, the minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation said Sheikh El-Zakzaky’s case is different. And that Federal Government will not interfere in a case involving A state government.
“We are going to keep on talking to the press, and those who have ears of the government and those will assist us to ensure his release.”
