Concerned group calls on govt to release El-Zakzaky’s, wife’s passports
Modupe Shodeinde
A group under the aegis of Concerned Abuja Residents (CAR), informed reporters in Abuja that the government is still withholding the international passports of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Malama Zeenat.
CAR Chairman, Abdul Ayide, who commended the Kaduna State High court for its judgement delivered on July 28, 2021, expressed concern over resurgence of protests in Abuja if their passports are not released.
He disclosed that the judgement, which discharged and acquitted both Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife and has led to the end of their detention, has brought a halt to protests his supporters have been staging with unflagging resolve in Abuja.
Ayide said “…that Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife were flown to Abuja after their release in the hope of jetting out for the treatment their deteriorating health condition requires, especially in an ultra-modern medical facility.
“The only obstacle to their wish of travelling overseas for medication is the inability to receive their international passports and other necessary documents. We call on the Federal Government to help facilitate this, as we seriously fear the return of protests in Abuja.
“Protesting is a constitutional right, and we don’t blame the protestors for discharging one of their constitutional rights. But the protests have changed Abuja from the tranquil city it used to be to seemingly a battle ground.
“As a result, many businesses have been disrupted, and lives have been lost on numerous occasions, including those of two journalists and a police officer. Obviously, the release of the embattled Sheikh and the end of the ‘Free Zakzaky’ protests will mark a new turning point for Abuja city. Within a short period, Abuja has regained its calm and tranquil atmosphere and we welcome this breath of fresh air.
“We urge the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari to release the passports of Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife to enable them to travel to the hospital of their choice. This will sustain the calm and peace which have since their release returned to Abuja.”
