HOUSE OF REPS REJECTS BILL TO EXPAND ISLAMIC LAW IN 1999 CONSTITUTION. (PHOTO).

 House of Representatives Rejects Bill to Expand Islamic Law in 1999 Constitution

On Thursday, the House of Representatives voted against a bill aimed at expanding the scope of Islamic law within the 1999 Constitution.

Sponsored by Rep. Aliyu Missau, the constitutional amendment sought to revise sections 24, 262, 277, and 288 by removing the term “personal” from references to “Islamic law,” thereby allowing it to stand independently.

Currently, Section 262 (1) states that the Sharia Court of Appeal has jurisdiction over civil matters involving Islamic personal law, which Missau argued limits the law's applicability, particularly in Islamic commercial law.

“The 1999 Constitution recognizes only personal Islamic law, without considering potential developments in the country,” he stated, citing the establishment of Jaiz Bank in 2003 as an example of evolving needs in Islamic commercial law.

Debate over the bill revealed a split among lawmakers, with northern representatives generally in favor while southern members opposed it. Solomon Bob from Rivers argued that removing “personal” would broaden the application of Islamic law beyond its intended scope, emphasizing that the term was included for a reason.

Supporters like Abdul Hakeem Ado from Kano insisted on the necessity of sustaining Islamic commercial law. However, voices of dissent included lawmakers from various states who expressed concerns about the implications of the proposed changes.

Bamidele Salam from Osun firmly opposed the bill, asserting that religious matters should remain a personal choice in Nigeria's secular framework. He referenced historical debates surrounding the constitution's drafting, noting that the topic of Islamic law had previously been contentious.

The bill was ultimately rejected during a voice vote led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.