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Lawmaker’s Islamic Bill Divides Southern, Northern Reps

Published

10 months ago

October 26, 2024

The House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking the expansion of the provision for Islamic law in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The bill, sponsored by the member representing Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency, Bauchi State, Aliyu Misau, sought to amend sections 24, 262, 277, and 288 of the 1999 constitution by removing the word ‘personal’ wherever it is mentioned from the section, allowing ‘Islamic law’ to stand on its own.

Section 262 (1) of the constitution provides that “the Sharia Court of Appeal shall, in addition to such other jurisdiction as may be conferred upon it by an Act of the National Assembly, exercise such appellate and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involving questions of Islamic personal law.”

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, the Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker noted that the inclusion of the word ‘personal’ after ‘Islamic’ restricts its application, particularly in Islamic commercial laws.

He said, “The 1999 constitution provided for personal Islamic law. The constitution did not envisage the dynamism and development that may come into the country. For instance, in 2003, the constitution did not foresee the advent of Jaiz Bank, which operates under commercial Islamic law.”

He called for the removal of the word ‘personal’ in the interest of Islamic commercial law and Islamic international law, among others.

Although northern lawmakers had a soft spot for the proposed legislation during the debate, they met stiff opposition from their southern counterparts.

In his contribution, the member representing Ahoada East/Abua/Odual Federal Constituency, Rivers State, Solomon Bob, opposed the bill, stating that any amendment to the sections would expand the application of Islam Law beyond the ‘personal matters’ envisaged by the drafters of the 1999 constitution.

He said, “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.”

On his part, the lawmaker representing Wudil/Garko Federal Constituency, Kano State, Abdulhakeem Ado, argued in favour of the bill, stating that Islamic Commercial Law needed to be sustained.

The duo of Saidu Abdullahi and Ahmed Satomi from Niger and Borno States respectively supported the proposed law.

The trio of Jonathan Gaza, Ademorin Kuye and Awaji-Inombek Abiante from Nasarawa, Lagos and Rivers States, respectively, called kicked against the proposed legislation.

Also speaking, a PDP lawmaker from Osun State, Bamidele Salam, opposed the bill and called for restraint in matters of religion given Nigeria’s secular state status.

He said, “As students of history, we all know the background of this particular section during the various constitutional assemblies of 1979, 1989, and 1999. The drafters of the Constitution were highly sensitive to religion.

“At the 1979 Constitutional Assembly, this particular section was very contentious until the military intervened to halt further debate, stating that the application of Islamic law would be restricted to personal matters like estates.

“We must be careful with any changes to the constitution that could further widen divisions in Nigeria. In any case, the matters my colleague seeks to address are already covered by existing laws.”

When subjected to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, majority of the lawmakers present at the plenary session rejected it.
PUNCH,

Related Topics:House of Representatives NAAS NASS

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DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

16 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

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‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

17 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

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Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

17 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.