Coalition faults push for Sharia law, cites breach of 1999 constitution
A coalition of civil rights and faith-based organisations has condemned renewed efforts to expand the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria, describing it as a violation of the 1999 Constitution and a threat to national unity and human rights. The coalition, operating under the banner End Sharia Now, includes groups such as One Nation One Law, Global Network of Christian Faith and Truth, and Love a Muslim Ministry. In a statement signed by Benson Sunday on Wednesday, the coalition said attempts to institutionalise Sharia beyond personal faith practices contradict the Constitution’s secular foundation. Responding to comments from some Islamic scholars who argued that there was “no justification for opposing Sharia in Nigeria,” the coalition cited sections 10 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibit the adoption of any state religion and guarantee equality of all citizens regardless of faith. […]