By Samuel Luka
Former House of Representatives member for Bauchi, Alhaji Aminu Danmaliki, has warned the United States government against weaponizing religious freedom in Nigeria.
The politician who addressed a press conference in his office on Thursday, Danmaliki stated that labeling Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act while pressuring the country to dismantle its religious legal systems is "laughable".
He emphasized that genuine protection of lives should focus on security reform, counter-terror financing, border control cooperation, intelligence sharing, and addressing transnational arms trafficking, rather than constitutional tampering.
Danmaliki argued that framing Nigeria's crisis as a Christian-Muslim war deepens sectarian suspicion, strengthens extremist propaganda, and undermines peace-building efforts.
The former lawmaker stressed that Nigeria's sovereignty is non-negotiable, and Sharia law, which is constitutionally protected, will be defended by Muslims.
He urged the U.S. to assist Nigeria with balance, humility, and respect for sovereignty, rather than using crusading language that inflames tensions.
The ex-member of representatives expressed disappointment over the misconception about Sharia law, citing Deborah's killing by mobs in Sokoto as a case in point, where, he said the perpetrators, not Shariah Law, were responsible for the victim's death.
He urged Nigerians to reevaluate their relationships and interactions, suggesting a redesign of the current approach to inter-community and inter-state relations.
The politician praised Shariah Law, highlighting its 1,400-year history and successful implementation in Nigeria, even before the English common law.
He noted that the British colonial administration didn't abolish Shariah Law, instead allowed it to coexist with their indirect rule system.
The ex-member questioned why religious leaders aren't speaking out on the issue and criticized assumptions linking Shariah Law to violence, pointing out that the law is cautious in implementing cases related to murder and blasphemy.
He called on the government to enforce laws effectively, rather than making assumptions about Shariah Law.
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