THE Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shi’ites, on Friday, alleged that because the Federal Government was aware that its eight million members would vote against President Muhammadu Buhari, the Presidency had resolved to use security operatives to harass and detain any person suspected to be a member of the movement in order to prevent them from voting in today’s elections.
It, therefore, called on both the local and foreign election observers and civil organizations to observe the situation and witness the discrimination, especially in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued and signed by a member of the Resource Forum of IMN, Muhammad Ibrahim Gamawa, a copy of which was made available to Saturday Tribune in Abuja, the movement alleged that the government of President Buhari “has employed a new strategy on the eight million voters of the members of IMN from voting” today.
According to the statement, “the government has resolved to use security operatives to harass and detain any person they suspect of being a member of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria in order to prevent them from voting. By this move, they seek to limit the number of votes to be cast against President Buhari. Such move has already started in some parts of Northern Nigeria. In Potiskum, Yobe State, security operatives were seen at the vicinity of the Islamic Movement with the hope of scaring people from voting.
“We call on election observers, both local and foreign and civil organizations to observe the situation and witness the discrimination we have been crying about. The very government that accused us of not voting in the past is now trying by every means to prevent us from voting.
“The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has been peaceful in all its activities, more especially the Free Zakzaky Campaign. Since it has resolved to participate in the 2019 elections, many government officials have panicked and resorted to many strategies to prevent our eight million voters from casting their votes, which they surely know will not go to the people that violated all our fundamental rights.
“We reiterate our call to all civil organizations, local and foreign observers and the general public to keep a watchful eye on the activities of government agents and security operatives so as to prevent any discrimination against our people and further infringement of our fundamental rights.
“We wish all Nigerians well, especially in this trying time and pray for a peaceful free and fair election.” The statement added.
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