The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has rejected a proposal from US lawmakers on Sharia practice in the West African country.Sharia law operates alongside statutory and customary law in Nigeria, primarily in 12 northern, predominantly Muslim states — where it was adopted as a main body of civil and criminal law in 1999.
It is regarded as the religious, moral, and legal framework of Islam.But US lawmakers have increasingly called for its repeal on the basis of an alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria. The federal government has rejected this claim.
The call was re-echoed in a report released on Monday and submitted to the White House.
In a statement issued Wednesday by Nafiu Ahmad, SCSN secretary general, the council rebutted the US lawmakers’ report, saying Sharia constitutes a comprehensive way of life for Muslims, encompassing spiritual, moral, social, and legal dimensions.
“No power or authority can arrogantly make Muslims relinquish its practice in response to external pressure, misinformation, or political intimidation,” the statement reads.
The statement noted that Sharia in Nigeria is backed by the constitution which upholds freedom of religion and permits adherents to conduct personal matters in accordance with their faith.The statement added that Nigeria is a sovereign, multi-religious nation with a plural legal system, deeming external interference as attempts to undermine the country’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and the fundamental principle of religious freedom.
The SCSN also rejected reports of a “Christian genocide” in the country.“This claim misrepresents Nigeria’s security crisis and detracts from the truth. The violence confronting the nation stems from terrorism, banditry, organized criminality, and governance deficits,” the statement added.
“The government appears either indifferent or incapable of resolving the security problem which has claimed the lives of Muslims and Christians alike.”The council said framing the violence as a one-sided religious genocide is “inaccurate and unhelpful”.
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