NATIONHOOD ABOVE RELIGION: A CALL TO UPHOLD THE SUPREMACY OF THE NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION

NATIONHOOD ABOVE RELIGION: A CALL TO UPHOLD THE SUPREMACY OF THE NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION

Nigeria stands at a crucial point in its nation-building journey.

Recent concerns raised by United States lawmakers over the continued application of Sharia law and the activities of Hisbah enforcement groups highlight a long-ignored contradiction within our national structure.

As a secular state, Nigeria is founded on the supremacy of one Constitution, binding on all citizens irrespective of tribe, region, or religion.

Allowing any religious legal system to override or compete with the Constitution threatens not only national unity but also the very essence of our democracy.

Historically, Nigeria’s founding fathers, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, envisioned a united country anchored on federalism, equality, and mutual respect.

At independence in 1960 and during the 1963 Republican Constitution, Nigeria was explicitly secular. Even the 1979 and 1999 Constitutions reaffirm this position. No part of the constitutional history of Nigeria supports the establishment of state-sanctioned religious police or parallel religious courts with criminal jurisdiction.

The continued expansion of Sharia in the North since 1999 has deepened tensions and heightened fears of religious domination fears not unfounded, given the reports of discriminatory enforcement, persecution of minorities, and emboldened extremist groups exploiting these religious structures.

From a Biblical standpoint, unity and equality are divine principles.

Scripture declares, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Jesus also warned against division, stating, “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25).

No nation can thrive when its people live under different sets of laws determined by religion instead of a common national charter.

In Acts 10:34, the Bible reminds us that “God shows no partiality.” A just government must reflect the same.

Therefore, it is imperative that the Nigerian government acts decisively.

Religious laws must not supersede the Constitution, nor should any group be given powers that undermine national unity and equal citizenship. If Nigeria must endure, then one nation, one Constitution, and one legal system must be upheld.

Anyone unwilling to live under the Nigerian Constitution must not attempt to reshape the nation according to religious preference.

The government must do the needful. Nigeria must remain united, just, and secular, for the good of all.