A socio-cultural organisation, the Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union, has called for a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s constitutional order, warning that the country is approaching what it described as an “existential national test” over the continued inclusion of Sharia criminal law in the 1999 Constitution.
In a press statement signed by its President, Benjamin I. Nwankwo, and Secretary, Chief Charles Edemuzo, the group urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and Northern Islamic leadership to confront what it termed “deep structural contradictions” embedded within Nigeria’s legal and political framework.
The statement comes amid renewed national debate over the role of Sharia law in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, a sensitive issue that has periodically stirred political and religious tensions across the country.
“Time for Ambiguity is Over”
According to the Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union, recent opposition by Islamic authorities to calls for the repeal of Sharia criminal law has exposed what it considers to be fundamental inconsistencies in Nigeria’s constitutional arrangement.
“The recent push-back by Islamic authorities against Mr. Riley Moore’s call to repeal Sharia criminal law exposes a bitter truth—the Nigerian state, in its current configuration, is no longer sustainable,” the statement read.
While the group did not provide details about the context of Moore’s proposal, it insisted that the controversy reflects deeper questions about Nigeria’s identity as a secular, multi-religious federation.
Nigeria operates a federal system under the 1999 Constitution, which recognises Sharia courts in states that choose to adopt them, particularly in the predominantly Muslim northern region. The country is also a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a fact the union referenced in its argument.
The group noted that Nigeria “enshrines Sharia in its Constitution and, as a ranking member of the OIC, cannot simply erase it overnight,” suggesting that any attempt to impose a uniform legal order without first dismantling or fundamentally amending the Constitution would be impractical.
“Any proposal to impose a uniform common law system without first dismantling the 1999 Constitution is a non-starter,” the statement said, adding that “those pretending otherwise are living in denial.”
Call for Clear-Cut Choice
Central to the union’s position is the argument that Nigeria cannot sustain what it describes as a dual legal structure.
“Two legal codes cannot coexist in a serious, modern nation,” the organisation declared, further stating that the country “cannot continue to pretend that a ‘common law’ society can function alongside a full-blown religious legal system.”
The group addressed Northern political and religious leaders directly, urging them to make what it described as a definitive choice: “Either fully embrace an egalitarian common law society where all Nigerians are equal under the law or be allowed to exist as an exclusive Islamic enclave, legitimate, sovereign, and separate if they so choose.”
That assertion marks one of the most direct calls in recent times from an Igbo socio-cultural body for a redefinition of Nigeria’s federal structure, with implications that could include secession or confederation if constitutional reforms fail.
Describing the current arrangement as untenable, the union stated emphatically that “the status quo is dead,” warning that “the Sharia crisis proves that Nigeria cannot survive as a single, unified state under its current arrangement.”
Referendum or Fragmentation?
In perhaps its starkest warning, the organisation argued that Nigeria now faces only two possible outcomes: “a peaceful referendum establishing a safe-haven in the East for persecuted Judeo-Christian citizens, or violence and inevitable fragmentation.”
While emphasising that it does not desire violence, the union suggested that history could compel disintegration if the government ignores what it termed “structural fault lines.”
The reference to a “safe-haven in the East” evokes memories of the 1967–1970 civil war, when the short-lived Republic of Biafra declared independence from Nigeria. Though the statement did not formally declare a renewed secessionist agenda, it made a pointed historical comparison.
“History offers clear lessons,” the group said, citing examples of sanctuary arrangements during periods of religious conflict. It noted that England once provided refuge for Protestants fleeing Catholic persecution in France and asserted that “Biafra can serve as a modern-day sanctuary for all citizens fleeing oppression in Northern Nigeria.”
The union insisted that its message should not be interpreted as a threat but rather as a sober reading of historical trends. “This is not a threat, it is a historical inevitability,” the statement read.
Challenge to National Assembly
The group also directed its appeal to lawmakers at the federal level, declaring that the National Assembly stands at a decisive moment.
“The National Assembly stands at its moment of truth,” the statement said, urging legislators to choose whether to “remove Sharia from the Constitution and preserve peace” or “ignore the writing on the wall and preside over a fracture of the Nigerian state.”
According to the union, “there is no middle ground.”
Constitutional amendment in Nigeria requires a rigorous process, including approval by two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly and ratification by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly. Legal experts note that altering provisions related to Sharia courts would likely generate intense political debate and require broad national consensus.
Security and Persecution Claims
Defending the tone of its message, the Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union cited incidents it described as evidence of insecurity and religious persecution. Among them were the killing of Deborah Samuel, a college student lynched in 2022 over alleged blasphemy, and the prolonged captivity of Leah Sharibu, who was abducted by insurgents and remains in captivity years after her classmates were released.
“The safety, survival, and future of Ndi Igbo and all persecuted Nigerians demand clarity,” the group stated.
It warned that continued inaction would amount to “deliberate negligence,” adding that those responsible for maintaining the current system without reform would have to face the consequences of history.
Broader Implications
The statement is likely to intensify ongoing national conversations about federalism, secularism, and minority rights. Nigeria is home to hundreds of ethnic groups and multiple religious communities, with Islam and Christianity being the dominant faiths.
Over the years, debates over Sharia law have sparked protests, legal challenges, and political manoeuvring. Supporters argue that Sharia courts serve the needs of Muslim communities in accordance with constitutional provisions. Critics contend that the existence of parallel legal systems complicates the principle of equality before the law.
Political analysts say the latest statement underscores growing frustration among some regional groups over perceived imbalances in Nigeria’s power-sharing and legal frameworks.
However, others caution that calls for secession or sweeping constitutional changes could heighten tensions in an already fragile security environment.
“The Clock is Ticking”
Concluding its statement, the Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union delivered a final warning: “Nigeria has a choice. The clock is ticking. History will remember who acted and who failed.”
As reactions begin to pour in from political leaders, civil society groups, and religious organisations, the coming weeks may determine whether the statement sparks formal legislative debate or deepens existing divisions.
For now, the group’s declaration adds another layer to Nigeria’s complex constitutional discourse—one that touches on identity, faith, governance, and the very future of the federation.
By Jake Clifford On Feb 27
