The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has called for caution in the introduction of Shariah Law in the South West, citing that the region has significant presence of Christians and African Traditional religion worshippers.
While fielding questions from journalists in Abuja during a media parley, the Director of Mission and Dialogue at the CSN, Reverend Father Lawrence Emehel, said though it is constitutional to implement shariah law in the South West, issues of infringing on other faith’s rights should be greatly considered.
He noted that in the South West, a family can have Christians, Muslims, and African Traditional Worshippers, thereby making the full implementation of Shariah law difficult by infringing on the rights of other religious worshippers.
“It is a recent development, and it is a matter that requires close observation because the Nigerian constitution actually allows shariah law to be implemented, especially on personal issues such as marriage and inheritance.
“The desire for the introduction of the law to some parts of Nigeria is as a result of certain causes, people who are dissatisfied with the system and they are asking for it.
“The church is actually looking at it from the point of view first, what is the reason why the people want a shariah law? They also have to be conscious of the fact that especially South West Nigeria is a melting point. First, they have Christians, Muslims, and traditional African religious adherents.
“So, we have to take all that into consideration because taking one against another might pitch one group against another, especially in a place where you find in the same family people who follow these three religious traditions.
“So, the Catholic Church in Nigeria is asking for caution, first not to throw away the legitimate desires of the people, but very importantly looking at the people not as people who don’t exist in silos, we are not living separately but we are all together.
“We have a common geographic location and common things that bring us together so that we make sure that the implementation of these laws does not restrict other people in their own practices or breach their own legitimate fulfillment and living as Nigerians because that is very important.
“We are Nigerians, and that is why the constitution still allows for religious liberty, and that allows people to practice their faith, but when it comes to the law, there has to be caution so that we don’t restrict or discriminate or take other people out of their own legitimate means of self-fulfillment.
In his address, the Secretary General of CSN, Reverend Father Michael Banjo for Nigeria to be truly transformed, citizens must embrace the sacred duty of building a nation grounded in a civilization of love – love of God, love of one another (regardless of creed or tribe), and love of the country more than they love themselves.
He further noted that poverty thrives due to lack of love, and corruption thrives because of selfishness and lack of love. The Clergy noted that this transformation begins with the formation of consciences in values that uphold the common good, integrity, kindness, justice, accountability, transparency, honesty, and a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.
“A well-formed conscience is an unfailing guide in all spheres of life, including public office. In this mission, the media stands as a powerful force, not merely to inform but to shape minds and transmit values,” he added.
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