The Kano State Government has maintained its stance on enforcing blasphemy laws, despite a recent ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice declaring parts of the laws incompatible with international human rights standards.
Reacting to the ruling, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said Kano remains committed to safeguarding religious values within its jurisdiction.
He stated, “We will not be deterred by external pressures. Our responsibility is to uphold the values of our society, which are grounded in religious and moral beliefs. While we respect international opinions, our laws are a reflection of our people’s will.”
Waiya emphasized that Kano’s position is grounded in Nigeria’s federal structure, which grants states the autonomy to make laws in line with their social, moral, and religious contexts.
“The people of Kano have entrusted us with the responsibility to maintain peace and protect their religious values. These laws are central to that mission, and they will remain firmly in place,” he added.
Acknowledging the ECOWAS Court’s authority, the commissioner nonetheless stressed that local laws must reflect the values of the people.
“We fully respect the court’s authority, but the laws that govern our state must reflect the unique moral and religious fabric of our people,” said Waiya.
The state government argues that its blasphemy laws align with Nigeria’s legal pluralism, which allows state legislatures to enact laws on matters within the Concurrent Legislative List, including criminal law.
