Muslims in the South western part of Nigeria have been urged to reject any governorship candidate who refuses to commit to the establishment of Sharia courts in their states.
This call was made by the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Sheikh Dr Ridwan Jamiu when talking about the ongoing debate over the establishment of sharia courts in Yoruba land.
Dr. Jamiu, while delivering the Jumaat sermon last Friday at Lekki Central Mosque, said candidates need to be held accountable for accepting or refusing to recognize constitutional rights of Muslims to have Shariah courts.
He said, “Elections are coming, and any governorship candidate seeking your vote must be committed to establishing Shariah courts.
“It is time we assert our constitutional rights. Shariah courts in Southwest states are long overdue.”
The Sheikh further gave instances of where the constitution recognises Shariah, citing Sections 38 and 40, which guarantee freedom of religion and association. According to him, Shariah is mentioned approximately 73 times in the Nigerian constitution.
He described Sharia Courts as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms allowed to be established in any state.
“Section 177 allows any state to establish Shariah courts to handle matters such as marriage, divorce, custody of children, property law, inheritance, and wills.”
Nigerian Tribune
