Sir: The injustice meted on the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky- courtesy of our deafening silence – is to say the least, the worst atrocity committed in the entire democratic history of Nigeria.
Sheikh Zakzaky was arrested alongside his wife Zeenah, after a clash of his supporters with the Nigerian Army. This was in December 2015, almost four years ago. Since then, the Sheikh and his wife have been denied access to proper medical attention, let alone allowed to attend to their failing health.
Earlier this year, the Sheikh suffered from an acute stroke that could have cost him his dear life- thanks to the neurologist for timely management, the crisis was averted. However, the neurologist strongly pointed out the need for the government to release the Sheikh in order to attend to his health – a request that has remained unheeded. Needless to state that the refusal to let the Sheikh and his wife attend to their health violates Article 10 of the ICCPR which requires that: “All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person”.
A couple of month ago, a team of foreign doctors were allowed to carry out preliminary investigations on the Sheikh and his wife’s health status- for the first time ever in their almost four years in detention- after which they made public their findings.
The Sheikh is diagnosed with multiple health complications each of which requires immediate hospitalization and proper medical attention. The story is no different with his wife Zeenah who is reportedly confined to the wheelchair.
The specialists have made it crystal clear that the duo are in dire need of proper medical attention failure of which the worst- that is death- may occur.
Over the weekend, the only surviving son of the Sheikh, Mohammed Zakzaky, was allowed to visit his parents and sadly the Sheikh was reported to have suffered from another stroke! Not only that, his health condition is said to have deteriorated- within this short period of time. The truth is, Sheikh Zakzaky has suffered the unimaginable atrocities under this government.
As a democratic nation, his rights need to be respected and therefore be released immediately.
There have been numerous calls from clergymen and people of conscience, well meaning Nigerians, international human right organizations, and peace- loving individuals across the globe, peaceful protests within and outside the country urging the Nigerian government to release the Sheikh and his wife.
It should be recalled that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has since December 2016 ordered the unconditional release of the Sheikh and his wife. Yet, the government has thought it fitting not to comply.
Last week, members of the House of Representatives also called on the federal government to obey court order and release the ailing Sheikh and his wife. In a democratic nation, the demands of the legislature and the judiciary would ordinarily count for something, especially when it involves enforcing the fundamental rights of a citizen or is in the best interest of the state.
As it is, there can be no further justification, whatsoever, for their continued detention. It is a violation of their right as enshrined in the constitution – the right to life, right to personal liberty, right to dignity of human persons and etcetera.
Sheikh and his wife should be released immediately and unconditionally as per the order of the court.
- Najeeb Maigatari,
Maigatari, Jigawa State.
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