CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: House says no to expansion of Sharia Law

The House of Representatives, on Friday, rejected a bill seeking to expand the provision for Islamic Law in the 1999 Constitution, sparking intense debate among lawmakers.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Aliyu Misau, aimed to amend sections 24, 262, 277, and 288 by removing the word “personal” from Islamic law references.

Misau argued that the inclusion of “personal” after “Islamic” restricts its application, particularly in Islamic commercial laws.

“The 1999 constitution provided for personal Islamic law. The constitution did not envisage the dynamism and development that may come into the country,” he said, citing the example of Jaiz Bank, which operates under commercial Islamic law.

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However, lawmakers from Southern states vehemently opposed the bill. Representative Ahoada East/Abua/Odual Federal Constituency noted, “The implication is that if the word ‘personal’ is removed, Islamic law would have broader implications. The word ‘personal’ was put there for a reason.”

Conversely, Northern lawmakers showed support for the proposed legislation. Abdulhakeem Ado argued that Islamic Commercial Law needs to be sustained. Saidu Abdullahi and Ahmed Satomi also backed the bill.

Bamidele Salam warned against altering the constitution’s religious provisions, emphasizing Nigeria’s secular state status. “We must be careful with any changes to the constitution that could further widen divisions in Nigeria,” he cautioned.

The bill was ultimately rejected through a voice vote by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, with the majority of lawmakers present opposing the legislation.

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