News
Lawmaker’s Islamic Bill Divides Southern, Northern Reps
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.
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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.
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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.
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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,
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint
Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
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Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
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According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
News
Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.
This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.
READ ALSO:Eid-el-Kabir: Edo Deputy Gov Solicits prayers For Okpebholo
Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.
He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.
According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.
The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.
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