PShi’a Group Hits Back At Israeli Ambassador in Nigeria
The Darul Ulumil Ja’afariyya Cultural Foundation, a registered Shi’a-based religious and educational organisation in Nigeria, has hit back at the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, for linking Shia groups in Nigeria to terrorism.
The envoy had during an interview on Arise TV claimed that the Iranian government sponsors terrorist activities in Nigeria and further attempted to link Shi’a institutions with acts of terrorism.
It said that the Israeli ambassador is trying to draw Nigeria into geopolitical rivalries and international conflict through unsubstantiated claims.
“We consider these allegations to be unguarded, unfounded, and a gross misrepresentation of the peaceful activities of Shi’a institutions in Nigeria,” the foundation said in a statement on Saturday.
It added that the Ambassador’s claims were totally “misleading and appears designed to create unnecessary suspicion and diplomatic tension”.
It emphasised that Shi’a organizations were never linked to any form of terrorism in its years of existence.
“We categorically reject any attempt to associate Shi’a organizations in Nigeria with terrorism or violent extremism. Shi’a institutions in Nigeria have consistently operated within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and have maintained lawful, peaceful and educational engagements across the country.
“At no point has our Foundation or any recognized Shi’a educational institution in Nigeria engaged in or promoted acts of violence or terrorism. Any suggestion to the contrary is misleading and appears designed to create unnecessary suspicion and diplomatic tension,” the group further said.
It said that the fundamental relationship between Shia groups in Nigeria and Iran has been strictly educational and religious, with many pursuing Islamic studies in Iran and Iraq based on the Shi’a creed, just like other Muslim students study in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Kingdom, or the United States for religious or secular education.
“Studying abroad does not equate to involvement in political or military agendas. It is purely intellectual and theological engagement.”
According to the group, the foundation of its belief is anchored on peace, justice, moral discipline and harmonious coexistence.
“Our Foundation is committed to promoting interfaith dialogue, lawful civic engagement and national unity in Nigeria.We strongly believe that Nigeria must not be drawn into geopolitical rivalries or an international conflict through unsubstantiated claims.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with its own security architecture capable of independently assessing and addressing security matters,” the foundation stated.
It called on the Nigerian Government to be wary of the antics of the Israeli ambassador, as he attempts to “externalize foreign conflicts onto Nigerian soil.
“Nigeria must remain cautious and avoid being entangled in tensions arising from the Middle East.It is our considered view that rather than projecting allegations outward, parties involved in ongoing regional conflicts should focus on diplomatic solutions and accountability within their own sphere.”
The Darul Ulumil Ja’afariyya Cultural Foundation reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its commitment to peaceful religious propagation, education and lawful civic participation.
“We remain open to constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders to clarify any concerns and to continue contributing positively to national development. Nigeria’s unity, peace, and sovereignty must remain paramount.”
