Spread of Islamic law could threaten stability of Nigeria
LAGOS, Nigeria, 17 January 2000 (Newsroom) – The insistence of Muslim governors to implement Sharia, or Islamic law, could lead to a breakdown of law and order and ultimately destabilize the 7-month-old democracy led by President Olusegun Obasanjo, some Christian and political analysts worry. Muslims, however, maintain that there is no cause for alarm as Islamic law would not affect Christians. Sharia in Nigeria governs personal matters such as marriage and inheritance. However, the adoption of Sharia by some northern state governors is to be extended to civil and criminal matters. Penalties for various crimes may include beheading, amputation, and flogging. Although Christians have called repeatedly for Islamic law to be declared unconstitutional and President Obasanjo has said Sharia violates the secular constitution, so far no legal option for resolving the controversy has been presented. "There is cause to worry," argued Sina Loremikan, organizing secretary of Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR). Unless "... the implementation of the Sharia law is stopped, we may be laying a basis for anarchy in the country." The adoption of Islamic law "amounts to a gross violation of the country's constitution, which must not be condoned in the interest of the stability of the country," he insisted. Wole Olufon, an international director of Full Gospel Businessmen fellowship (FGBMF), also believes that adoption of Sharia will cause disaffection in the country. "Politicians who have lost out in the present political calculation in the country are behind the move. They must not be allowed to achieve their goal to derail the present government," Olufon said. After about 14 years of military rule, Nigeria returned to democratic rule with the swearing-in of President Obasanjo on May 29. Religious tension has escalated in the months since. Since the proclamation of Sharia by Governor Sanni Ahmed in Zamfara State in the northeastern part of the country last October seven other states began a similar process. Among them, Kano, Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Kastina are at various stages of implementing the controversial law despite vehement protests by Christians. On January 13 Governor Abdulahi Kure of Niger State invoked Sharia before the state House of Assembly could formally adopt it. The population is almost evenly divided between Muslims and Christians in Niger, Kaduna, and Borno. Kure, like other proponents of Islamic law, claimed that the fears of critics are borne out of ignorance. "As an integral part of Islam, the application of Sharia law cannot be denied to those who desire it on the ground that the alleged secular nature of our constitution prohibits it," he said. Christians in Niger State disagreed vehemently and on January 20 demanded that the governor resign. After attending a seminar that focused on the implications of adopting Sharia in the state, members of the state branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) accused the governor of ignoring his constitutional duties to champion personal religious desires. "The governor needs to focus his attention on the needs of the people of the state like health care, education, poverty alleviation, and water resources instead of championing Sharia law," CAN said in a statement signed by state chairman Bishop Jonah Kolo. CAN leaders earlier called for Christians to fast, pray, and stay home from work for three days to protest against Sharia law. The protest, which began on January 17, paralyzed business activities in major towns in Niger state as traders and shop owners, the majority of whom are Christian non-indigenes, locked their stalls and shops. Prominent among the shops closed in the state capital, Minna, was Zagbayi Pharmacy, owned by the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Shehu Zagbayi Nuhu, a Christian. The deputy governor has declined to comment on the adoption of Sharia by the state government of which he is a part. Alhaji Shaibu Bagagi, director-general in the state Directorate of Information, described the protest by Christians as an "unnecessary harassment" since the governor has promised that the law will not affect Christians. Christians in the state, however, have vowed that they will not be intimidated by any action that they believe subjugates their religion. "We will continue to challenge the state government action that is inimical to the practice of Christianity in the state," Kolo promised. Although supporters of Islamic law insist that it does not apply to Christians, women in Zamfara state already have felt the impact. Because men and women no longer may share buses, many women have been stranded for hours waiting for a bus designated for their use. Women's sports where the jerseys expose female bodies have been banned in the state as well. There also are fears that women in top positions in the state government may be relieved of their posts because Islam traditionally forbids women to be in a position superior to men. Femi Abbas, an Islamic scholar who opposes the adoption of Sharia by state governments, does not believe that the controversy will destabilize the democratic government. "I think the matter will be sorted out between Christians and Muslims who have over the years learned how to live together," Abbas said. But Sharia is a sensitive issue that must be resolved carefully if Nigeria is to remain at peace, according to Adeleke Raheem, a lawyer and Islamic scholar. "The majority (Muslims) in this matter could afford to have its way and the minority (Christians) have their say, but there is need for compromise between the religious groups," Raheem said. Christians in some of the affected states have vowed to resist the imposition of Islamic law. "Christians would resist the implementation with all the zeal and strength in us," Kolo said last week. "It is all an attempt to intimidate, oppress and marginalize Christians." In a letter to Governor Kure, Kolo noted that Christians comprise about 45 percent of Niger state's population. "The introduction of Sharia will polarize the state and cause insecurity and disharmony among the people," he wrote. "We fear that your Sharia might destroy the confidence reposed in you and democracy will be a mockery in the state." In Borno state, where the ratio of Christians and Muslims is about the same as in Niger, Christians have threatened to create their own system of government if the state introduces Sharia. "We shall firmly create and recognize Borno as an entity that shall not in any way be affected by Sharia Law," Fibiulus Gwama, chairman of CAN in Borno, was quoted in Punch newspaper. ENDS