The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has said no power or authority can make Muslims relinquish the practice of Shariah.

The Secretary General of SCSN, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, said this in response to a recent report that a United States Congress committee submitted to President Donald Trump.

Recall that the United States’ representative for West Virginia’s 2nd congressional district, Riley Moore, and Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Sub-committee submitted the report after an investigation to look into the alleged persecution of Christians in the country.

The report had highlighted Sharia and blasphemy laws as major problems.

The recommendations, therefore, included repealing Sharia and blasphemy laws, establishing a US–Nigeria security pact, and imposing penalties or visa bans on perpetrators.

“Blasphemy laws in Nigeria’s northern states are used to silence speech and dissent, target Christians and minorities, and justify so-called ‘convictions’ without due process,” the US lawmakers said

But the Council said the report inaccurately portrayed Nigeria as a theatre of so-called “Christian genocide”, and unfairly questioned the inalienable rights of Nigerian Muslims to practice Shariah.

“For clarity, Shariah constitutes a comprehensive way of life for Muslims, encompassing spiritual, moral, social, and legal dimensions. It is the divinely ordained framework through which Muslims regulate their personal and communal affairs.”

The statement noted that the practice of Shariah in Nigeria is clearly guaranteed by the Constitution of the which upholds freedom of religion and permits dherents to conduct personal matters in accordance with their faith.

It stated that shariah courts operate lawfully within constitutional limits, and their jurisdiction applies exclusively to Muslims and any attempt to criminalize, delegitimize, or externally dictate how Nigerian Muslims practice their religion undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and the fundamental principle of religious freedom.

“The Council therefore rejects any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs. Nigeria is a sovereign, multi-religious nation with a plural legal system and complex security challenges. Simplistic and bias driven narratives imported from abroad do not advance peace or justice; rather, they risk inflaming tensions, deepening mistrust, and undermining peaceful coexistence.”

“We also reject the propagation of the false “Christian genocide” narrative. This claim misrepresents Nigeria’s security crisis and detracts from the truth. The violence confronting the nation stems from terrorism, banditry, organized criminality, and governance deficits. The government appears either indifferent or incapable of resolving the security problem which has claimed the lives of Muslims and Christians alike.”

It added that framing this tragedy as a one-sided religious genocide is inaccurate and unhelpful.

“The council unequivocally condemns all killings and bloodshed across Nigeria, regardless of the identity of victims or perpetrators. We mourn every innocent life lost and reject the politicization of human suffering. We pray that Allah grants the deceased eternal rest and gives comfort, strength, and patience to their families.”

It also reiterated its long-standing call on the federal government and state authorities to act decisively to end insecurity as the fundamental duty of government remains the protection of lives and property and the restoration of public confidence through justice and accountability.

“Finally, as Muslims observe this blessed month of Ramadan, the council calls on the Ummah to intensify prayers, supplications, and acts of righteousness, seeking Allah’s intervention for peace, security, justice, and unity in Nigeria. We urge all Muslims to remain law-abiding, steadfast in faith, and committed to peaceful coexistence with all Nigerians.”

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our faith is not negotiable, our Constitution is clear, and our sovereignty must be respected by other nations and protected by our government.” (Daily Trust)

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