President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has rejected suggestions from certain US lawmakers that Nigeria should abolish Sharia law.
In an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Bwala emphasized that the US lacks both the legal authority and moral justification to impose constitutional changes on a sovereign nation.
He argued that any foreign attempt to influence Nigeria’s constitutional management would be perceived as an infringement on the country’s independence.
When questioned about the possibility of US pressure on Nigeria to abandon Sharia law or modify its constitution, Bwala stated that such an idea is illegitimate, asserting that it would violate Nigeria’s territorial rights.
Bwala also dismissed President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion of potential military intervention, labeling it as inconsistent with international standards.
He noted that military intervention in another country is only permissible under three circumstances: if the country requests it, if the nations are at war, or if the United Nations grants authorization.
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He clarified that Sharia law is implemented only in 12 northern states and functions as a state-level legal system permitted under Nigeria’s federal structure, rather than being a national policy.
This discussion follows a briefing in the US Congress where lawmakers were encouraged to advocate for the elimination of Sharia law and the disbandment of the Hisbah religious police in Nigeria.
Analysts at the event cautioned that extremist groups take advantage of Sharia-based frameworks to incite violence and enforce conversions.
Nevertheless, Bwala reiterated that Nigeria is solely responsible for determining its constitutional path.
