By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
United States Government under President Donald Trump, has been urged to emphasise genuine protection of lives through focus on security reform, fight against counter-terror financing, border control cooperation, intelligence sharing, and addressing transnational arms trafficking, rather than constitutional tampering.
The assertion was made by a former House of Representatives Member for Bauchi Federal Constituency, Alhaji Aminu Muhammad Danmaliki, who also warned the USA against weaponizing religious freedom in Nigeria in order to divide the citizens in order to gain political relevance.
The politician who addressed a press conference in his office on Thursday, stated that labeling Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act while pressuring the country to dismantle its religious legal systems is “laughable”.
The Proprietor of a College of Nursing Education argued that framing Nigeria’s crisis as a Christian-Muslim war deepens sectarian suspicion, strengthens extremist propaganda, and undermines peace-building efforts.
On time Member of the House of Representatives, stressed that Nigeria’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, and Sharia law, which is constitutionally protected, will be defended by Muslims.
He urged the U.S. to assist Nigeria with balance, humility, and respect for sovereignty, rather than using crusading language that inflames tensions.
He further expressed disappointment over the misconception about Sharia law, citing Deborah’s killing by mobs in Sokoto as a case in point, where, he said the perpetrators, not Shariah Law, were responsible for the victim’s death.
He urged Nigerians to reevaluate their relationships and interactions, suggesting a redesign of the current approach to inter-community and inter-state relations.
The politician praised Shariah Law, highlighting its 1,400-year history and successful implementation in Nigeria, even before the English common law.
He noted that the British colonial administration didn’t abolish Shariah Law, instead allowed it to coexist with their indirect rule system.
The ex-member questioned why religious leaders aren’t speaking out on the issue and criticized assumptions linking Shariah Law to violence, pointing out that the law is cautious in implementing cases related to murder and blasphemy.
He called on the government to enforce laws effectively, rather than making assumptions about Shariah Law.
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