Faith
El-Zakzaky, Wife Arrive India, Begin Treatment
Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat have arrived in India for their medical treatment. They were received by medical doctors and wheeled into Medanta Hospital, New Delhi upon arrival yesterday.
This was as an Indian-based Muslim group, Anjuman e-Haideri, has said it will bear all medical costs incurred El-Zakzaky and his wife.
Zeenah, were on Monday flown out on medical leave to India where they are expected to undergo treatment for multiple health conditions. However, Anjuman e-Haideri Islamic group, in a letter signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Bahadur Naqvi, and addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Surgeon of Medanta Hospital, Dr.
Naresh Trehan, offered to foot all the medical costs incurred by the El-Zakzakys in India.It was gathered that before their departure to India, President Muhammadu Buhari had waved those conditions and approved that the IMN leader should proceed to get the medical attention as granted by the court and based on the advice from intelligence services.
The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Department of State Security Service (DSS) who had been working behind the scene to resolve the impasse occasioned by the detention of Shiite leader have advised the presidency on the appropriateness of obeying the court orders since some foreign interests including the Iranian government have sought a diplomatic approach in managing the issue.
On Monday allowed a 10-man delegation accompanied El-Zakzaky and his wife to India on medical trip.
The delegation is made up of four IMN (Shiites) leaders and six security operatives. The IMN also spoke on El-Zakzaky’s trip.
An IMN member gave the names of its leader’s family members on the trip as Zainab and Hassan Bala. The name of the accompanying doctor was given simply as Rahamat. But the security operatives were not identified.
They flew out of the country on Emirates Commercial airliner, via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to India. The IMN leader and his wife are to receive medical attention for undisclosed health challenge.
Daily Asset gathered that the government opted for delegates from both sides to “ensure a transparent medical procedure.”
A top source said: “The government decided to allow four leaders/ members of the Shiites to follow El-Zakzaky to demonstrate its commitment to a fair and transparent medical procedure.
“The government did not want to leave any gap for misrepresentation of the medical treatment. All these delegates will be part of the process.
“The government felt there was need to build confidence between the two sides. This is a sensitive trip.”
It was also learnt that the Federal Government “mitigated the legal course, especially the conditions attached to the trip” based on security reports and to show good faith.
The source added: “The conditions set by the court were acceptable to both parties and the Federal Government deliberately mitigated further legal hurdles at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to show good faith.
“Security reports also indicated that there was no basis for dragging the legal issues on the conditions
It said the wife could only make it to the airport on a wheelchair.
The IMN gave the details in a statement by the Chairman, Free Zakzaky Campaign Committee, Abdurrahman Abubakar Yola.
The statement said: “The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife have at last just left Nigeria for India alongside some family members and security operatives.
“This followed the granting of the couple’s application for leave to seek medical attention in New Delhi, India last week by Justice Darius Khobo of Kaduna State High Court.
“In spite of the attempted efforts at frustrating this emergency medical journey by the Kaduna state government, which tried to unilaterally put conditions to the journey even though it lacked such powers, the journey has gone on without hitches.
“This emergency medical journey is consequent on the facts that both the Sheikh and his wife are known to be clearly very ill in detention, sequel to the brutal wounds unjustifiably inflicted on them by the state agents in the name of Nigerian army, the resultant prolonged dehumanising detention in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the obvious poisoning of the Sheikh.
“As a result of all these physical and psychological stress, the Sheikh suffered series of mild strokes and is at the risk of further recurrences.
“At the same time, he lost one eye following the military attack and is at a severe risk of losing his sight completely in the other. He is now found to have more than twenty times the toxic levels of lead poison in his body!
“Similarly, the wife has been under excruciating pains with shrapnel deeply lodged in her body for all these years of inhuman conditions in detention. She now is able to ambulate only with the use of a wheelchair, even to the airport.
“They have been battling ailments that could not be treated in Nigeria, as posited by the foreign medical experts that earlier in the year assessed their health condition. Undoubtedly, both risk losing their lives had the medical journey been further delayed or denied.
By Abiodun Lawal
Lufuwape (Ogun), April 27, 2025 The Nigerian Baptist Convention says individual’s closeness to God remained the greatest factor in addressing various challenges.
President of the convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, stated this at a Sunday Service held at the Baptist International Convention Centre in Lufuwape, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Baptist’s 112th Annual Convention kicked off on Saturday to end on May 1.
NAN reports that the theme of the convention is: “Entering into Newness through Fasting and Prayer”.
Akanji who took his sermon from the book of Luke 8 vs 1 to 8 , noted that prayers remained an act of faith and called on Nigerians to focus on God who solves problems rather than the problems.
He said it was important to believe in possibilities and have the conviction that only God answers prayers.
The Baptist President cited example of a widow who was not afraid, annoyed or ashamed of her challenges but kept moving until she overcame the challenges with her closeness to God.
“We should run away from factors that will make us sin against God, we should love one another. We should not allow our adversaries to make us a failure.
“We should focus on God who solves problems. Keep making attempt on your goal, don’t give up , then believe in possibilities,” he said.
Akanji emphasised that the Baptist as a movement, was entering into newness through fasting and prayer as a vehicle to be able to experience newness in their lives and the country.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially flagged -off distribution of Uniforms and 8kg hand luggage’s to the intending pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage as part of the arrangements lineup for 2025/1446 Hajj exercise to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Performing a symbolic Flagg-off on at the Board headquarters in Minna, officials gathered to witness the beginning of the pilgrimage preparations.
In his remarks during the Symbolic distribution, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu noted that the distribution is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and hitch free pilgrimage experience for the intending pilgrims from the State.
The Executive Secretary represented by the Director Administration of the Board, Babani Aliyu Yahaya while making the symbolic presentation to the Area Pilgrims Welfare Officer( APWO) of Chanchaga Local Government, who is the Chairman of the APWO’s in the State, maintained that the uniforms and the 8kg Hand luggage belongs to the intending pilgrims who have completed their payments only, ensuring that they are well prepared for the spiritual journey.
He said the 8kg hand luggage provided to the Area Pilgrim Welfare Officers (APWOs) is designed to help manage the personal belongings of the pilgrims, ensuring that they travel light and efficiently.
The Director Administration of the Board, use the medium to call on those who are yet to complete their payments to quickly do so, while urging those that have the intention to do so as quickly as possible.
In his remarks, after receiving the Uniforms and 8kg luggage for the pilgrims of Chanchaga Local Government and the Chairman of the APWO’s, Alhaji Abu Sufyanu Siri Siri promised to judiciously distribute the items to the intending pilgrims while assuring that he will uphold the highest standards of service as they prepare to assist the pilgrims in their spiritual journey.
This initiative which is an annual exercise is to provide broader strategy to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience, addressing logistics challenges that pilgrims often face.
The event was attended by the management of the Board and some APWO’s.
Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board remains committed to ensuring that all intending pilgrims to have a fulfilling and memorable experience, underscoring the significance of the sacred journey.
….Position on Military Intervention
Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Economic Community Of West Africa States (ECOWAS) not to use military intervention to resolve the current crisis in Niger.
In a recent statement signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the apex Christian association commended President Ahmed Tinubu, and other heads of ECOWAS for their unwavering commitment to discouraging coups d’état and the forceful takeover of power.
“We also applaud their commendable efforts in resolving the crisis currently faced by our neighbours in the Republic of Niger.
“CAN fully recognizes the gravity of the situation in Niger and the importance of upholding democratic principles, peace, and stability within the West African region. We believe that the peaceful resolution of conflicts is vital for the progress and well-being of our nations and our people.
Read Also: Niger Coup: Activate Standby Force, ECOWAS Orders Defence Chiefs
“We applaud President Ahmed Tinubu for adopting a diplomatic approach in addressing the crisis by sending a high-level delegation, led by the eminent statesman General Abdulsalam Abubakar, to engage with the Nigerien authorities. This diplomatic overture demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and his belief in the power of constructive engagement to foster understanding and resolve conflicts.
“Furthermore, we commend the inclusion of the esteemed Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, in the delegation. This representation showcases the unity of purpose and the collaborative spirit of Nigerian leaders, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries to jointly pursue peace in our region.
“CAN also commends the notable efforts of other prominent leaders, who have engaged with the Nigerien authorities in their personal capacities, leveraging private contacts. Their wisdom, experience, and counsel will undoubtedly contribute to the resolution of the crisis in Niger and the restoration of peace and stability in the region
“As an organization deeply committed to promoting justice, peace, and harmony, CAN urges Tinubu, to remain on the path of dialogue and avoid any form of military intervention or measures that would create enmity between the good people of Nigeria and Niger. We firmly believe that the path to lasting peace lies in upholding democratic processes, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and resolve conflicts.
“We implore all stakeholders involved in this matter to embrace peaceful negotiations, exercise restraint, and tirelessly work towards a sustainable resolution of the crisis in Niger. It is crucial to remember that peace is a collective responsibility, and only through joint efforts and unwavering commitment can we build a future of progress, stability, and prosperity for our nations, the statement read.
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