The National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (Nacomio) has asked the opponents of the Shariah arbitration panels proposed in the southwest states that the panels see as an improvement in legal plurality, as considered in the Constitution, instead of A divisive measure.
The Council, in a declaration in Abuja for its National Secretary, Alhaj Mas'ud Akintola, denounced the opposition to the Islamic legal system, describing it as absurd and a height of insensitivity and intolerance.
Nacomio warned the political and traditional authorities against the attempts to “impose close perspectives on Muslims”, saying that such would be equivalent to undermining their rights.
He said: “The claim that Shariah will destabilize the southwest is not only unfounded but also absurd. Shariah provides a framework that reflects the beliefs of Muslims and aligns with local values.
“The fear of destabilization seems to come more than anarchist rhetoric than from any historical or substantive evidence related to the role of Shariah in our society.
“In addition, the statements regarding an imminent imposition of Shariah Law ignore their voluntary nature for those who choose to adhere to Islamic principles. Attempts to prohibit or mobilize against Shariah reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of religious freedom, which allows people to practice their beliefs without violating the rights of others. ”
“It is pertinent to observe that the panels of the Shariah arbitrate about marriage issues, inheritance, custody of children and guardianship, imamship and related issues that are not problems that cannot be solved outside the judicial system. In fact, our statutes recognize the alternative mechanism for dispute resolution.