Monday, May 22, 2000
LAGOS (AFP) - Christians in Nigeria have sued the federal government over
the introduction of Islamic Sharia law in northwestern Zamfara State, press
reports said yesterday.
The 50 million-strong Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) filed a suit
Friday with the Federal High Court in Abuja charging that the imposition of
Sharia law in Zamfara State in January was illegal and unconstitutional.
The suit filed by CAN Secretary-General Charles William lists as defendants
the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of
the Federation and the Governor and Government of Zamfara State, the
reports said.
The CAN argued that since Sharia has its roots in Islam it can be
implemented only in an Islamic state, while under the constitution, Nigeria
is a secular state.
In Zamfara, the law has not made any distinction between Muslims and
Christians, according to the CAN. It said for example that Christian
married couples were required to travel in separate commercial vehicles.
The Nigerian government has said it would not present a legal challenge to
the introduction of Sharia law, but President Olusegun Obasanjo said that
any individual who felt aggrieved by the law could take legal action to
seek redress. The court is to hear the case on June 27.
Wassalamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarokaatuh
(DI-22/05/00)
