Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive legal action against the adoption of Sharia law in Northern Nigeria, describing its implementation as dubious and in need of change. Kukah urged the president to approach the courts to have the adoption declared unconstitutional, emphasizing this as a necessary step to curb religious violence and mob actions related to the law.
Kukah's appeal comes amid growing concerns about the socio-political impact of Sharia law in the northern regions, highlighting the law's controversial application and its potential to deepen ethnic and religious divisions if left unaddressed. He asserted that only through the judiciary could the practice be reviewed and potentially reformed to align with Nigeria’s federal constitution and human rights standards.
The bishop's stance is part of a broader call for inclusive governance and respect for religious freedom by the Tinubu administration, which Kukah sees as having shown willingness to listen and act inclusively compared to previous administrations. Kukah also stressed the importance of dialogue and partnership between religious communities as critical for national healing and unity.
This call for judicial intervention legalizes the ongoing debate on Sharia law’s place within Nigeria’s pluralistic society, pushing for reforms that protect rights without undermining cultural and religious identities.
Kukah’s statements reinforce his role as a leading voice advocating for human rights, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria's diverse religious landscape.