Secularism and Sharia Law: Nigerian Government Position

Abstract

This paper center’s on “Secularism and Sharia Law: Nigerian Government Position”. The increased siding and participation of the Nigerian government in religious matters such as: registering and admitting Nigeria into the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC), the introduction of Islamic Banking into the Nigerian Banking system; promotion and sponsoring of Pilgrimage by both Federal and State Governments; and the introduction of Sharia Law by some of the Northern State Governors give rise to this study. The importance of both Secularism and Sharia Law was examined and how it affects the citizens when being implemented. The article also ascertains the position of Nigerian government concerning “Secularism and Sharia Law”. An “Exploratory research design” was used. It was discovered that: Secularism gives religious freedom while Sharia Law makes Muslims practice their religion in totality; the Nigerian government is siding religion other than secularism as obtained in the Constitution (section 10). And it was recommended that: Any individual campaigning for public office that uses religion as a medium should be disqualified; Not all religious festivals should be given public holidays, at most two each from the known religions; Nigerian government at all levels should promote “morality” instead of religion since all religions promote a good moral life among its adherents; a column for “Religion” should no longer be included in any form to be completed. Furthermore, no government in Nigeria, Federal, State or Local, should fund religion or religious activities in any way.