Islamic advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has demanded the establishment of Shari’a Courts and the declaration of Fridays as work-free in the South-West region of Nigeria in the ongoing constitutional amendments review.
The Executive Director MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, who made the demand when he presented this group’s proposal during the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on 1999 Constitutional Review held in Lagos on Friday and Saturday, said establishing Shari’a Courts and declaring Friday work-free day in the South-West states would enhance inclusiveness and protect the rights of Muslims in the region.
“No Sharia court currently exists in Southwestern Nigeria, where Muslims arguably form the majority.
“This contradicts the pre-colonial Yoruba experience before the advent of British rule,” Akintola, who was represented by an executive member of the group, Dr Jamiu Busari, said while while addressing the Committee.
While calling for the establishment of Sharia courts in all South-Western states, including Edo due to their Muslim populations, the MURIC DG also called for constitutional provisions mandating state governors to establish Sharia Courts of Appeal.
“These courts will handle Muslim matters only, ensuring non-Muslims are not affected,” he stated.
Akintola also advocated for a declaration of Fridays as public holidays to accommodate Muslim worship.
“Thursdays and Fridays were traditional weekends for Muslims in the pre-colonial period. Currently, Nigeria recognises Saturday and Sunday as weekends, both favouring Christians.”
Continuing, Akintola said:
“The weekend structure was imposed by colonial authorities, with Saturday initially a half-day.
Saturday was later made a full day to benefit Seventh-Day Adventists under Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s regime.
“We demand Friday be included as a recognised weekend day for Muslims.
“Currently, Nigeria has eight national public holidays, five of which favour Christians and only three for Muslims. These holidays include Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid-Kabir, Eid Fitr, and Maulud.”
He also urged for a constitutional amendment to make the Islamic New Year a public holiday, as well as the recognition of Islamic marriage certificates for official purposes
“Christian marriages conducted in churches or registries are officially accepted nationwide. But Nikkah marriages are not recognised, creating problems for Muslim couples in formal settings.
“A religious group’s marriage is officially accepted while another’s is ignored — this must change,” he emphasized
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