Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shiites, today, July 4, stormed the National Assembly, demanding, in a peaceful demonstration, the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who is in the Department of State Services (DSS) detention.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Shiites carried various banners and posters with the pictures of El-Zakzaky.
Their presence caused the main gate of the National Assembly to be closed, with a detachment of policemen surrounding the gate to prevent entrance into the complex.
The House of Representatives Leader, Ado Doguwa, met the demonstrating Shiites at the gate of the National Assembly where he assured them that their message would be delivered to the appropriate quarters.
”This place called the National Assembly provides a window where you come and ventilate your concern and anger.
“But I assure you; I give you my commitment and the commitment of this institution, that we will address this issue that you raised.
”And in promising you, I will collect the contacts of your leaders. And by the time I am able to convince my colleagues and superiors, we will get back to you and discuss further,’’ he said.
Doguwa commended members of the group for the peaceful manner they had conducted themselves.
The spokesman of the sect, Ibrahim Musa, expressed concern that the health of their leader is deteriorating, hence, the need for his release.
The Shiites have regularly held street protests to press for the release of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since December 2015.
