The Association of Nigeria Imams has strongly and unanimously objected and condemned the recent testimony and actions of Dr. Ebenezer Obadare before the United States Congress, in which he called for the abolition of Shari’ah criminal law in 12 northern states and the disbandment of Hisbah commissions across Northern Nigeria.
The Congress of the Imams in a statement issued and signed by the National Secretary of the Forum, Dr, Umar Farouk Abdullahi, and copies made available to newsmen in Minna, stated that the implementation of Shari’ah law in Northern Nigeria was a legitimate exercise of democratic principles, undertaken by elected representatives who were mandated by their constituents to enact laws that reflect Islamic principles. This process was not imposed upon the people, but rather, it was a response to their aspirations for a legal and social framework that aligns with their faith and values. Dr. Obadare’s testimony on Shari’ah Law
The Forum in its statement, views Dr. Obadare’s testimony as not only a disregard to the democratic process that led to the implementation of Shari’ah law but also ignored the rights of millions of Muslims to practice their faith and govern their personal and communal lives according to their beliefs.
“This is a clear infringement on the religious rights of Nigerian Muslims and an attempt to impose external values and ideologies on the country.” The Forum observed.
The Nigeria Imams also view Dr. Obadare’s testimony as a gross misrepresentation of the facts and a reckless attempt to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and the religious rights of its Muslim citizens.
Shari’ah law, according to the Congress of the Imams, is not a novelty in Nigeria; it has co-existed with secular laws and institutions for decades, and its implementation has been shaped by the country’s federal structure and constitutional framework. The notion that Shari’ah law is somehow incompatible with Nigeria’s secular constitution is a misconception and misrepresentation of facts that ignores the complexities of the country’s legal and cultural landscape.
The Forum has therefore, “rejected this attempt to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and the rights of its Muslim citizens, and called on all stakeholders to respect the country’s democratic institutions, cultural diversity and the rule of law.” The statement further added.
The Forum also observed that Dr. Obadare’s notion that Shari’ah law fuels insurgency in Nigeria is a gross misrepresentation of facts and therefore, demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the complex issues driving violence in the country. The Forum however, cited Boko Haram’s ideology as rooted in violent extremism, socio-economic marginalization, and a rejection of democracy, not Shari’ah law.
The group’s origins and actions were proofs of these facts. “In reality, Boko Haram has explicitly condemned the Shari’ah systems implemented by northern states as insufficient, impure, and corrupted by democracy. They viewed the system as a deviation from true Islamic governance and have targeted Muslims who practice their faith within the framework of these systems.
“The evidence is clear, Boko Haram’s violence was not a consequence of Shari’ah law but rather a rejection of the democratic and pluralistic values that underpin Nigeria’s Constitution. The group’s brutal attacks on Muslims and non-Muslims alike, including the infamous Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, demonstrated their disregard for human life and their desire to impose a twisted, extremist ideology on the region.”
The Nigeria Imams Forum further maintained that the Maitatsine insurgency of the 1970s and 1980s, which shares similarities with Boko Haram’s ideology, predated the introduction of Shari’ah law in Northern Nigeria. This historical context underscores the fact that extremist violence is not a product of Shari’ah law but rather a symptom of deeper socio-economic and political issues.
The Imams also described those who share the concept of Shari’ah law with terrorism as misleading narratives that conflicts with the realities and should therefore, focus on addressing the root causes of violence, including poverty, marginalization, and the lack of opportunities for young people in the region.
Hisbah Commissions legitimately constituted by respective state gifts
On the insinuations that the Hisbah be scrapped, the Imams Forum stated that the Hisbah commissions are legitimately constituted by their respective state governments. The Hisbah Commissions are moral enforcement agencies regulated by State laws and accountable to the governments of the northern states. They are not terrorist organizations, nor are they militias or extremist groups; rather, they are institutions created to promote moral values, public decency, and social order in our communities.
The Forum further clarified that Hisbah commissions are manned by dedicated individuals who are committed to serving their communities and upholding the principles of Islam. They work to promote peace, stability, and social cohesion and are an integral part of the social fabric of Northern Nigeria.
Dr. Obadare’s testimony according to the Imams, had unfairly targeted and misrepresented the Hisbah Commissions, perpetuating a false narrative that has the potential to inflame tensions and undermine the important work that these institutions carry out.
“The Hisbah commissions are not imposing extremist ideology or enforcing forced conversions to Islam, as has been falsely claimed. Rather, they are working to promote moral values, protect the vulnerable, and maintain social order in our communities.” The statement narrated.
The Imams’ Forum therefore called on the Nigerian government to continue to support the Hisbah Commissions and ensure that they are able to carry out their mandate without interference or intimidation. The international community should also recognize the importance of these institutions and work with relevant authorities to promote peace, stability, and social cohesion in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s crisis is not primarily a religious conflict but rather a complex web of issues, including terrorism, banditry, state failure, and climate-driven resource conflicts. Framing the crisis as a religious conflict risks exacerbating tensions and reinforcing harmful stereotypes about Nigeria’s Muslim population. It also ignores the fact that the majority of victims of Boko Haram’s violence have been Muslims themselves.
Policy makers
Policymakers and analysts should adopt a more nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges, one that recognizes the complex interplay of factors driving violence and instability in the country. Only through a comprehensive and inclusive approach can we hope to address the root causes of the crisis and build a more peaceful and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
The US Gov’t
The United States government should reject Dr. Obadare’s flawed analysis and instead partner with the Nigerian government to address the complex security challenges facing the country. This partnership should prioritize supporting efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions, promote national unity, and respect the rights of all citizens to practice their faith.
The United States should also work with the Nigerian government to address the root causes of terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges rather than relying on simplistic or divisive solutions. This includes providing support for economic development, improving governance, and promoting social cohesion.
“We also call on the United States to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and the rights of its citizens to determine their own path forward. This includes avoiding actions or statements that could be seen as taking sides or promoting a particular agenda, and instead working to support the Nigerian government’s efforts to build a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous country.” The Forum declared.
Pathway to peace
The Imams’ Forum appealed to all Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend the country’s sovereignty and the rights of its citizens to practice their faith without external interference or coercion.
Together, the citizens can build a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous Nigeria, where all citizens can live in peace and prosperity, regardless of their faith or background.
Dr. Obadare’s reckless and divisive statements have the potential to exacerbate tensions and undermine national unity, and therefore, demanded an apology from him for his comments.