A respected Islamic scholar in Bauchi State, Dan Malikin Bauchi Alh. Aminu Mohammed, has firmly rejected recent demands by some Christian activists calling for the removal of Sharia law in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi, Mohammed described the agitation as misguided and unacceptable. He stressed that Sharia law does not threaten the unity or stability of the country.
He explained that the strength of Sharia goes beyond judicial rulings and is rooted in broad moral and legal principles that promote justice, equity, due process, protection of life and property, human dignity, accountability for leaders, fair commercial practices, and the defense of the weak.
According to him, the attempt by a group of Christian activists to speak against Sharia before a joint session of the American Congress was driven by fear, misinformation, political motives, and emotion rather than facts or lived experiences.
He said “On behalf of practicing Nigerian Muslims who form the majority in this country I totally condemn this act by those Christian groups seeking to create unnecessary tension between Muslims and Christians.”
Mohammed also recalled an earlier incident where he said Christian representatives had allegedly misinformed the US Congress about a supposed genocide against Christians in Nigeria. He described that claim as unfounded and warned that similar attempts to misrepresent Islam or Sharia law would not succeed.
He stated “Let the Christian activists understand that Muslims will never accept a system of governance in Nigeria that excludes Sharia which does not in any way infringe on the rights of Christians and is clearly protected under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He emphasized that Sharia law as practiced in Northern Nigeria applies only to Muslims and continues to be recognized internationally including by US legal institutions as a respected legal tradition.
Mohammed called for respect and informed dialogue, noting the constitutional legitimacy of Sharia, its long record of justice, and its contributions to civilization and peace.
