The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed concern over alleged intolerance and disregard for the rights of Muslims, especially in the southern part of the country.
A statement signed by NSCIA deputy national legal adviser, Imam Haron Muhammed Eze, on Wednesday, said the most recent of this development emanated from Ekiti state where the efforts of the Muslim community to set up an Independent Sharia (Arbitration) panel was met with resistance and objections from both political and traditional quarters.
It added that this came a few weeks after the announcement of the inauguration of a Sharia panel in Oyo state generated anxiety and led to its indefinite postponement.
The Independent Sharia Panel is a voluntary platform designed solely for resolution of civil and marital disputes among consenting Muslims.
According to the statement, the Arbitration and the Sharia Court of Appeal, just like the Customary Court of Appeal are provided in section 275 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) of the Republic of Nigeria confirming the legality of both initiatives.
It added that the NSCIA strongly supported the establishment of the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Ekiti and Oyo States for the intended purpose, especially where the Muslims in the states have been denied their constitutional right to a Sharia Court of Appeal in all the states of South-West Nigeria.
The group, while disapproving of the Supreme Court judgement, said their judgements are nothing but calculated attempts to prevent Muslim in the region from practicing their faith.
The NSCIA stressed that the council cannot find any legal justification for the resistance. It called on governors and traditional authorities in the southern part of the country, particularly the South-West, to ensure that the constitutional rights of Muslims in their respective domains are preserved and protected.
