National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has renewed his call for the establishment of Sharia Courts in the Southwest region of Nigeria.
This move has been met with resistance from Christian groups, particularly the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Despite the opposition, the Sultan remains resolute in his pursuit of Sharia Courts, citing the large Muslim population in the region.
In a statement, the Deputy National Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Haroun Eze, noted that the Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel is a voluntary platform designed to resolve civil and marital disputes among consenting Muslims.
The Sultan’s call for Sharia Courts has been backed by some Muslim groups, who argue that it is a fundamental human right.
However, the PFN has vehemently opposed the move, with Vice President Cosmos Ilechukwu stating that Nigeria is a secular state and should remain so.
The debate highlights the complex religious dynamics in Nigeria, where Muslims and Christians coexist.
While some see the introduction of Sharia Courts as a necessary step to cater to the needs of Muslim citizens, others view it as a threat to the country’s secular status.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the Sultan’s call.
