The Nigerian House of Representatives has voted against a proposed bill that sought to expand the application of Islamic law in the 1999 Constitution beyond personal matters. Sponsored by Aliyu Misau, representing Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency, the bill aimed to amend sections 24, 262, 277, and 288 by removing the word “personal” from all mentions of “Islamic personal law.” This change would allow the broader term “Islamic law” to apply in areas such as commercial and international law.
Misau argued that the “personal” limitation does not account for the growth of Islamic finance and commercial institutions, such as Jaiz Bank, which adheres to Islamic banking principles. He emphasized that the amendment would align with modern developments in Islamic commercial law.
While some Northern lawmakers backed the bill, noting it would enhance Islamic finance, their Southern colleagues opposed it, citing Nigeria’s secular nature and the importance of keeping religious law restricted to personal matters. Representative Solomon Bob from Rivers State argued that removing “personal” could fundamentally change the scope of Sharia law, potentially allowing it to influence public affairs.
The bill, presented for a voice vote by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, faced strong opposition from a majority of lawmakers and was ultimately rejected.
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