By Ishola Balogun
The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, has called on Muslims to reject any governorship candidate who refuses to commit to establishing Shariah courts in their states.
Delivering the Jumaat sermon last Friday at Lekki Central Mosque, Dr. Jamiu stressed the need for accountability regarding candidates’ stances on Shariah courts. He urged Muslims to carefully assess their political choices.
“Elections are coming, and any governorship candidate seeking your vote must be committed to establishing Shariah courts,” he stated.
Dr. Jamiu encouraged Muslims to demand a written agreement from candidates to ensure their commitment. “It is time we assert our constitutional rights. Shariah courts in Southwest states are long overdue,” he added.
He highlighted that the Nigerian Constitution recognizes Shariah, mentioning it approximately 73 times. He cited Sections 38 and 40, which guarantee freedom of religion and association.
The Imam also clarified the purpose of Shariah panels as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. “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.
According to Dr. Jamiu, Shariah courts are necessary in Yoruba land and should be established in all Southwest states. He emphasized that Shariah courts are exclusively for Muslims and have caused no harm to non-Muslims in the northern regions.
“We have Shariah courts in the North, and they have not caused any harm to non-Muslims. It is not their business; Shariah courts are meant for Muslims alone,” he said.
He concluded by urging Muslims to assert their constitutional rights during elections: “Any candidate who refuses to commit to establishing Shariah courts in your state, don’t vote for him.”
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