By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The President Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) Hon. Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki had called on Nigerians to disregard an unverified online report claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning to rename the country, the United States of Nigeria, abolish Shariah criminal law in the North and restructure the federation without national consensus.
Alhaji Aminu who holds the traditional tittle The Danmaliki of Bauchi Emirated stated this in a press statement he signed and made available to journalists in Bauchi.
Danmaliki who was reacting to the Viral Report circulating in the social media on federal government alleged move to Rename Nigeria and abolish the Shariah Law in Nigeria, described the publication as sensational, unverified and capable of provoking unnecessary tension.
He said that constitutional amendments cannot be introduced through anonymous leaks or online gossip:
“Nigeria’s Constitution cannot be rewritten through rumours. Until the Presidency officially confirms such proposals, this report remains speculative and should be treated with caution.”
“Shariah is a constitutional right, not a political favour. No individual or government can tamper with it without following due constitutional process. Any attempt to undermine Muslim legal rights will be democratically resisted.”
“The intention behind this publication seems is targeted at provoking the North and excite the South. Nigerians must not allow misinformation to divide a country already facing economic and security challenges.”
“The North is not afraid of restructuring, but restructuring cannot come in the form of abolishing Shariah or diminishing the religious identity of any group particularly Muslims.”
“This is a delicate moment for the nation. We must protect unity, verify information and avoid statements that could cause fear or instability.” he said
Reacting to the claim that Shariah criminal law will be abolished, Danmaliki reaffirmed that Shariah remains a constitutionally protected system for Nigerian Muslims, stressing that Shariah courts do not affect non-Muslims and have historically provided a fair, transparent, and rights-based legal system admired globally.
While advising the Federal Government to Avoid creating unnecessary Religious and Regional Tensions, Danmaliki maintained that the viral report appears crafted to ignite conflict between Nigeria’s regions and religions:
He acknowledged ongoing debates about restructuring Nigeria, pointing out that such reforms must be achieved through national dialogue, transparency, and broad agreement, not through unilateral proposals:
Danmaliki urged leaders, media houses, and citizens to avoid inflammatory reactions until official clarification emerges from the Federal Government, saying that any attempt to alter the constitutional balance or remove Shariah jurisdiction will face legal, democratic and institutional reactions.