JUST IN: Reactions As Bwala Says US Can’t Ask Nîgeria To Amend Constitution
JUST IN: Reactions As Bwala Says US Can’t Ask Nîgeria To Amend Constitution
Nigeria’s Presidential Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, firmly rejected calls from certain U.S. lawmakers urging the country to abolish its Sharia law. Bwala underscored that the United States lacks both the legal and moral authority to demand constitutional amendments from Nigeria, reinforcing the idea that national sovereignty must be paramount in this discourse.
Bwala’s comments come against a backdrop of growing international pressure on Nigeria regarding its legal systems and practices, particularly those involving religious laws.
Critics in the U.S. and elsewhere argue that Sharia law, predominantly applied in some northern states of Nigeria, is at odds with universal human rights standards. However, Bwala contends that such criticisms are misplaced and fail to appreciate the historical and cultural context of Nigeria’s diverse population.
“Nigeria is not a dependent state,” Bwala stated emphatically, reminding critics that the nation has its own unique identity, complexities, and legal framework. He articulated that the U.S. should focus on respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty rather than attempting to impôse foreign standards or values.
This sentiment resonates with a growing number of Nigerians who worry about the implications of external influences on their legal systems.
The backdrop of Bwala’s remarks reflects a broader narrative in which Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, grapples with balancing traditional values against the pressures of modernization and globalization.
Sharia law, utilized in many northern states, has long been a source of contention, with proponents arguing that it aligns legal systems with Islamic beliefs, while opponents claim it undermines individual rights and freedoms.
Bwala’s defense of Sharia law is also emblematic of a wider discourse on the role of religion in governance. He pointed out that discussions regarding the law should originate from within Nigeria, rather than being influenced by foreign entities.
The adviser emphasized that constitutional changes should be reflective of the will of the Nigerian people through democratic processes, rather than being an outcome of external pressure.
Furthermore, Bwala articulated a vision of Nigeria that resists the label of “failed state” often echoed in international narratives. He made it clear that the nation’s challenges, while significant, do not define its capabilities or its governance structures.
By invôking the phrase “We aren’t Venezuela,” he made a powerful statement against commonly held stereotypes that equate governance challenges with a total collapse of state authority.
