Muslims in the Southwest have been urged to reject any governorship candidate who refuses to commit to the establishment of Sharia courts in their states.
This was the position of the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Sheikh Dr Ridwan Jamiu, over the ongoing contentious issue of Sharia courts establishment in Yoruba land.
Dr. Jamiu, while delivering the Jumaat sermon last Friday at Lekki Central Mosque, said candidates need to be held accountable for their stance, especially on Shariah courts.
Calling on Muslims to carefully assess their political choices, the Chief Imam said, “Elections are coming, and any governorship candidate seeking your vote must be committed to establishing Shariah courts.”
According to him, establishing Shariah courts in the Southwest is a constitutional right, describing it as long overdue.
“It is time we assert our constitutional rights. Shariah courts in Southwest states are long overdue,” he added.
The Sheikh further gave instances of where the constitution recognises Shariah, citing Sections 38 and 40, which guarantee freedom of religion and association. According to him, Shariah is mentioned approximately 73 times in the Nigerian constitution.
Clarifying the purpose of Shariah panels, the Lekki Central Mosque Imam described them as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms allowed to be established in any state.
“Section 177 allows any state to establish Shariah courts to handle matters such as marriage, divorce, custody of children, property law, inheritance, and wills,” he explained.
