Adesanya-Davies commends USA stance on Shari’a in Nigeria
Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a former presidential candidate, an academic and prominent human rights advocate, has commended the United States’ stance on Sharia law in Nigeria, describing it as a bold move towards promoting religious freedom and protecting human rights.
The US government has been vocal about its concerns regarding Sharia law in Nigeria, with some lawmakers calling for its abolition, citing alleged religious persecution and human rights abuses. The US House Appropriations Committee has also reaffirmed its commitment to addressing religious persecution globally, with a specific focus on Nigeria .
Prof. Adesanya-Davies praised the US government’s stance, stating, “We commend the United States for taking a strong position on Sharia law in Nigeria. This sends a clear message that religious freedom and human rights are universal values that must be respected.”
The human rights advocate also called on the Nigerian government to review its Sharia law provisions, emphasizing that they are inconsistent with international human rights standards. “It is time for Nigeria to take a bold step towards promoting religious freedom and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith,” she said.
The US government’s stance on Sharia law in Nigeria has been welcomed by many Nigerians, who see it as an opportunity to promote national unity and stability. However, some have expressed concerns that the US government’s actions could be seen as interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
Prof. Adesanya-Davies urged Nigerians to seize this moment to engage in constructive dialogue and promote national reconciliation. “We must work together to build a Nigeria where everyone can live in peace, freedom, and dignity,” she said.
The US government’s stance on Sharia law in Nigeria is seen as a significant development in the global fight against religious persecution and human rights abuses. As the world watches, Nigerians are called upon to take a stand for religious freedom and human rights.
Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has similarly expressed her support for the call by Benson Sunday, President of One Nation One Law, to remove Sharia provisions from the Nigerian Constitution.
In a statement, Prof. Adesanya-Davies said, “I commend Benson Sunday for his courageous stance on this issue. The existence of parallel legal systems in Nigeria has fueled division and undermined our ability to confront escalating insecurity. It is time for Nigeria to adopt a unified national legal and security framework that promotes unity and protects the rights of all citizens.”
Prof. Adesanya-Davies emphasized that Sharia law is incompatible with a modern, secular republic, and that religion should be separate from law. “Religion belongs in the soul, law belongs to the nation,” she said.
She also called on influential religious and traditional leaders to demonstrate firm moral clarity and support the removal of Sharia provisions from the Constitution. “With great authority comes great responsibility. When insecurity rages, no leader, religious or traditional, can afford ambiguity,” she said.
Prof. Adesanya-Davies urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to address the country’s security challenges, including publishing the full list of terror financiers and enablers, reviving stalled security cooperation with Israel, and empowering top security leaders to build a strong anti-terror network.
“Nigerians must reject extremism, secrecy, and all forms of divided governance in the ongoing battle against insecurity. It is time for Nigeria to unite under a single, secular law that promotes justice, equality, and peace for all,” she said.
Signed
Nuhu Agum, SSA
PMCO
For Amb Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Former Presidential Candidate – MAJA/CUPP
Nigeria
