By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Nigerians are debating the proposal whether Sharia Law should be applied in the South West.
At the public hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution in the South West, a group, The Muslim Congress (TMC), submitted a proposal for the promulgation of the Islamic law in the South West.
The group’s spokesman, Abdulganiyu Bamidele, said during the hearing: “We want to partner for the creation of Sharia Courts in the South West because of our population of Muslims.”
The suggestion for the establishment of a Sharia court in Nigeria has stirred heated debate on Twitter.
Bello Shagari, tweeting with his handle @BelShagy, said Sharia should be permitted in the South West, arguing that: “If Sharia was such a threat, why is Dubai the number one tourist and holiday destination?”
He added: “Why do you want to deprive people of what they require and that doesn’t concern you in the name of secularism?”
@IgbayilolaAyeni also tweeted: “Sharia is an Islamic religious law that governs the day-to-day life of Muslim followers. Sharia establishes guidelines for investment and banking.”
But @BOGbadamosi countered: “It will NEVER happen! We will fight it to the last. Sharia kọ́ọ̀, Maria niì! Kí lon jẹ́ bẹ́ẹ̀? (What does that mean?)Òfin Ìṣẹ̀mbáyé (a shrine) is more relevant to us than a foreign religion that prescribes barbaric punishments for petty crimes committed by the poor, encourages rape & promotes misogyny.”
@ayemojubar also tweeted: “Even those proposing Sharia court in the South knew they are clowns. Bring it up fast so we can speed up the BREAK-UP of Nigeria. Awon werey 9mad people) trying to smuggle-in penal code with the existing criminal code.”