TheCable

A group known as The Coalition Of Civil Society Organizations has called on the federal government to declare the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) a terrorist group.

The group said this in reaction to the clash between police and some members of the movement in Abuja.

In a statement by Patriot Ode, its national president, the group said the IMN might turn into another disaster if government did not act on time.

Ode said the IMN posed a threat to citizens, adding that “Nigerians shall no longer accept the complacency of the AGF on the continuous existence of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria”.

“We deserve to live and survive in our country, free of molestations or phobia of violence in whatever guise,” the statement read.

“We are neither the least nor the most concerned about the security of our dear nation, Nigeria. But when we see national security drifting dangerously and fired with impunity by some violent sects, the dire consequences stare us in the face and, we are thus, prompted to voice out, as time has dictated at the moment.

“Therefore, COCSOTGG was prompted into speaking to the Nigerian public again, because Nigerians appear to be very complacent with what we consider to be a thorough misbehaviour, affront and assault on our dear nation, with the siege on Abuja in numbers, exceeding 10, 000 by Shiites members (IMN).

“We have observed that members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, who though claim some religious activity, but are unfortunately, always combat-ready and striking any ideologically unaligned persons with awesome unprovoked violence and murder.

“Emboldened by this background, IMN sect members breach laws of the Nigerian federation with impunity and dares everybody, with a confounding recklessness or ruthlessness.

“What is of utmost concern to them is how to clandestinely impose another version of terrorism, garbed in the fake coats of Islam on the rest of us.

“None of us is oblivious of the pains and sorrows inflicted on us by Boko Haram terrorists, because we allowed it blossomed, unchecked in celebration of some faulty and indiscernible liberties of democracy.

“The Coalition will be left with no option but to mobilize Nigerians against the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and to pass a vote of no confidence on him until he resigns from the office which he holds in trust for the rest of us.

“Enough is enough of the IMN threats which is already a negative signal within the FCT in view of their recklessness and violence posture to inflict pains on anyone without looking back.”