Muslims Cannot Impose Sharia On Christians – Sultan of Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has reiterated that Sharia law is meant exclusively for Muslims and should never be imposed on Christians or any non-Muslim citizens.
He made the clarification on Wednesday while declaring open the 2025 triennial conference of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja. The event, themed “Collaboration of Inter-Religious Council with Government to Promote Peace in Nigeria,” brought together top religious and political leaders to discuss national unity and security.
Nigeria Is Multi-Religious, Not Secular — Sultan
The Sultan reaffirmed that Nigeria operates as a multi-religious nation where the government supports both Christianity and Islam without adopting either as a state religion. He stressed that misinterpretations about Nigeria being “secular” often cause unnecessary tension.
According to him, Sharia law as practiced in northern states remains a 100 percent Islamic legal system that does not apply to followers of other faiths.
“Sharia will never be implemented on any Christian. It is wrong to force Christians to dress or behave like Muslims,” he stated, cautioning against actions or policies that blur the constitutional boundaries between religious practices.
The Sultan also addressed recent public debates calling for the abolition of Sharia, noting that Nigeria guarantees freedom of worship and does not hinder the practice of any religion.
NIREC–Government Partnership Essential for Peace — Speaker Abbas
In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, called for stronger collaboration between NIREC and the Federal Government to tackle rising insecurity and inter-group tensions.
He warned that extremists continue to manipulate religious differences for political and violent ends.
“This meeting comes at a time when divisive actors are weaponising religion to threaten national unity,” Abbas said.
“We must confront these stereotypes and reject dangerous narratives, including the false claims of genocide against followers of any religion.”
The Speaker pledged legislative backing for peacebuilding initiatives recommended by NIREC.
Nigeria’s Unity Must Not Be Undermined — SGF Akume
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, acknowledged that the country is grappling with deep-seated security challenges aggravated by inflammatory rhetoric and declining trust among communities.
Akume criticised external forces and groups he said are pushing misleading stories about the nation’s security situation.
“Our sovereignty is non-negotiable. We must not allow terror merchants or divisive interests to destabilise the nation,” he declared.
He urged religious, traditional, and community leaders to work collectively with government to strengthen peace across the country.
Faith Institutions Are Key to National Stability — CAN President
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, noted that Nigeria is facing a critical moment, with insecurity threatening its unity and stability.
He emphasised that religious organisations remain among the most trusted institutions in the country and therefore have a vital role to play in peacebuilding.
“Faith communities have enormous potential to promote dialogue, mobilise citizens, and strengthen national cohesion,” Okoh said, calling for deeper collaboration between government and interfaith bodies like NIREC.
Religious Leaders Must Support Counter-Terror Efforts — NIREC Executive Secretary
Earlier, NIREC’s Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, urged religious leaders to support government efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.
He reminded participants that every human life is sacred and that religious institutions carry a moral responsibility to protect human dignity.
Omonokhua prayed for divine direction for national leaders, repentance for criminal elements, and a nationwide shift toward values, discipline, and mental renewal.
