Shiite group backs El-Rufai’s proposed religious law

A Shiite Islamic sect, Rasulul A’a’zam Foundation has stated its support for the religious preaching law proposed by Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

The group said there was need for the governor to regulate religious activities in the state for peaceful coexistence among the citizens.

This was revealed by the Secretary General of the group, Sheikh Saleh Zaria, at an interactive session between the group, security stakeholders and the media in Kano, recently.

Zaria stressing that: “We support the proposed preaching law in Kaduna. We don’t have any problem with the proposal, as it is a welcome development.

“The governor should just ensure justice, simple. He should be very careful in coming up with the law. The law should also be fair and just to all Muslims and Christians in the state.”

While calling on the governor to ensure that the law regulates issues like hate speech, the secretary general said it should promote peace and tranquility amongst the adherents of different religions.

“We are also calling on the governor to restrict Jamatul Nasril Islam from representing all Muslim sects in the state, during the implementation of the proposed law,” said the secretary general.

Zaria also criticised El-Zakzaky’s style of preaching, calling on his followers to pursue the true teachings of the Shiite Islamic sect.

“Rasulul A’azam Foundation is a Shiah based Islamic organisation with distinct ideology, approach and mission contrary to any non-orthodox methodology. We believe in the sovereignty of Nigeria, its constitutional provision of pluralism and legitimacy of its constituted authorities,” the group said.

It further added: “In view of the Zaria crisis, which happened in December 2015, we therefore reaffirm our commitment to participate actively with other well meaning Nigerians in building a new Nigeria in the spirit of patriotism, togetherness and harmony.”