Rights group alleges Iran is meddling in Nigeria’s affairs

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has petitioned the United States Embassy, alleging attempts by the Iranian Government to promote insurgency and undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria by its support for the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, the Shi’ites.

CESJET, in the petition at the weekend said the Shi’ite group has constituted itself into a parallel authority, with no regards for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The organisation, through its Diplomatic Affairs Representative, Philip Agbese, said the actions of the Iranian Government have been targeted at promoting insurgency and encouraging the breach of peace just to bring Nigeria to her kneels.

“It is noteworthy to state that the Shi’ite, hitherto constitutes itself into a parallel authority, with no regards for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Residents of Zaria, Kaduna State and its environments have been living under the reign of terror of the Shi’ites.

“Human lives are sacred and for us in Nigeria, the lives of Nigerians and foreign nationals resident in Nigeria are very precious. Countries and organizations issued statements in the wake of the crisis made the reasonable suggestion that a probe committee be set up to investigate the root causes of the unfortunate incident and also to prevent a reoccurrence.

“To some extent, one may assume that some of those who made such calls have history of assisting Nigeria in other areas and wanted to safeguard fundamental human rights.

“Our worry, however, is that the Islamic Republic of Iran has been strident in its interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs to the extent that they have chosen to use the Shi’ite-Army clash as a pretext to foist themselves on Nigeria as imperial masters.”