Group Urges FG, NASS to Resolve Sharia-Common Law Conflict, Citing National Unity Concerns

The federal government and the National Assembly have been called upon to implement definitive measures to eliminate the confusion stemming from the parallel operation of Sharia criminal law and Common law within Nigeria's constitutional framework. This appeal was made by the Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union (NIWU), a socio-political advocacy organisation, in reaction to the strong opposition from Nigeria's Islamic leadership concerning a suggestion by the United States Congress to abolish Sharia law.

A United States Congressional report on Christian Persecution in Nigeria had previously recommended the discontinuation of Islamic Sharia law, which is currently in effect in several northern states, advocating for the nationwide application of Common Law. The committee's rationale was that Sharia codes and "blasphemy laws" in these northern states are reportedly used to suppress free speech and dissent, target Christians and minority groups, and justify convictions without proper legal recourse.

While Nigerian Muslim leaders outrightly rejected this recommendation, the Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union observed that the ensuing controversy highlights a critical issue: the Nigerian state, in its present structure, is no longer viable. In a statement signed by its President, Benjamin I. Nwankwo, and Secretary, Chief Charles Edemuzo, NIWU argued that because Sharia is incorporated into Nigeria's Constitution and the country is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), Sharia cannot be simply removed immediately.

"Any proposition to enforce a uniform common law system without first dismantling the 1999 constitution is unachievable," NIWU stated, asserting that "those who act as if this is possible are in denial." The group further contended that "two legal codes cannot coexist in a serious, modern nation. Nigeria cannot continue to feign that a 'common law' society can function alongside a fully established religious legal system."

To resolve the persistent Sharia issue, NIWU proposed that "Northern leaders must make a decision: either fully embrace an egalitarian common law society where all Nigerians are equal under the law or be permitted to exist as an exclusive Islamic enclave." The organisation suggested that if a separate Islamic enclave were to be established, it could operate as a distinct, sovereign nation, similar to the United Arab Emirates.

NIWU, which identifies itself as a defender of the rights, safety, and future of the Igbo people, maintained that it is now evident that "the status quo (the coexistence of Sharia and Common law) is finished." The group expressed that "the Sharia crisis demonstrates that Nigeria cannot endure as a single, united entity under its current arrangement."

"The nation now faces two clear outcomes: a peaceful referendum to establish a sanctuary in the East for persecuted Judeo-Christian citizens, or conflict and unavoidable fragmentation—a scenario no one desires but which history will dictate if the government persists in ignoring the fundamental structural divisions," NIWU warned. The union added that should an Islamic enclave emerge in Northern Nigeria, it would provide a solution to the inevitable consequences of persecution faced by non-Muslims.

Drawing parallels with history, NIWU noted that "England once offered refuge to Protestants escaping Catholic persecution in France. Biafra can serve as a contemporary sanctuary for all citizens fleeing oppression in Northern Nigeria."

The group urged the National Assembly to confront this moment of truth, stating that "lawmakers must either remove Sharia from the Constitution to preserve peace or disregard the clear signs and oversee the fragmentation of the Nigerian state." NIWU emphasised that "there is no middle ground." The union declared, "Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union makes no apology for this frankness. Just as the Nigeria Jihadists offer no apology for the public lynching of a college student, Deborah Samuel, the kidnapping and forced enslavement of Leah Sharibu, which continues to this day, and numerous other acts."

"The safety, survival, and future of Ndi Igbo and all persecuted Nigerians necessitate clarity. Any efforts to maintain the current imbalance will be considered deliberate negligence, and those responsible for such inaction will face the consequences," the group concluded.