A proposed bill seeking to extend the application of Sharia law beyond personal matters has been rejected by Nigeria's House of Representatives. The bill aimed to amend sections 24, 262, and 277 of the Constitution by removing the word “personal” from the provisions concerning Sharia law.
Aliyu Missau, the sponsor of the bill, argued that commercial entities like Jaiz and Taj banks face difficulties operating under the current constitutional framework, as the constitution did not anticipate these types of financial institutions. However, many lawmakers expressed concerns that the bill could significantly broaden the application of Sharia law, which is currently limited to issues such as marriage, inheritance, and other personal matters.
Bamidele Salam, a lawmaker from Osun State, was among those who opposed the bill, warning that it could threaten religious freedom and unity in Nigeria. "We must be cautious with any constitutional amendments that could deepen divisions in the country. Moreover, the issues my colleague seeks to address are already covered by existing laws," Salam stated.
Another lawmaker, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, echoed these concerns, calling for the bill to be dropped due to the potential risks it posed.
Despite support from some northern lawmakers, including Saidu Abdullah, Abdullah Ado, and Ahmad Satomi, who insisted that the bill was harmless, the opposition remained strong. When Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu put the bill to a vote, the majority of lawmakers voted against it, leading to its rejection.
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