The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the timing of a planned protest by some Muslim youths in the country over the killing of top Iranian general, Qassem Soleimani.
Soleimani, the Commander of the elite Quds Force, was killed by a US military airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq on Friday. The action has attracted protests and condemnation from some parts of the world.
While members of Shi’a group, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) have been protesting the killing and chanting anti-US rhetoric, some other Muslim youths are believed to be planning a different protest to condemn the US government’s action.
NSCIA led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, said on Monday that while the youths had a right to peaceful protest, the timing was wrong.
In a statement issued in Abuja by Head of Media of the council, Ibrahim Aselemi, the body appealed to the youth not to allow their emotions becloud their judgment to ensure peace at all times.
“The attention of NSCIA has been drawn to a planned peaceful protest by some Muslim youths in the country to vent their anger over the killing of Iranian top military commander, Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Iraq.
“Although protests are an integral part of civil democracy all over the world, NSCIA believes that the timing is wrong,” the statement read in part.
NSCIA said the issue between the U.S. and Iran can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.
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