Constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Mike Ozekhome SAN, has berated the Federal Government over the proscription of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiite group.
Ozekhome described the proscription as unconstitutional, highly discriminatory and immoral.
Speaking with New Telegraph, Ozekhome wondered why Federal government had failed to proscribe the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), which had been linked to very serious acts of terrorism in the country.
He said: “What group could be more terrorist than the herdsmen and their known anchor, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association? This has held Nigeria down by the jugular for years, killing, maiming, burning, raping and turning Nigeria into a crimson field of blood. Until the government bans and outlaws these kind of groups, it is certainly not serious.
“The Shi’ite group is a religious group just like the President’s Sunni group. It is not an association that could be banned. They are demanding for the release of their leader still kept in government dungeon in spite of several court orders.
“Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution makes Nigeria a secular state. You can’t ban religion, a people’s belief. There is also freedom of thought, conscience and religion in Section 38, while Sections 40 and 41 allow for freedom of movement and association. The Constitution is ruthlessly being shredded by an intolerant and overbearing civilian dictatorship.”