The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding its blasphemy laws, following a recent ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice that found portions of those laws in conflict with international human rights principles.
The court’s judgment has stirred significant discussion, particularly regarding the balance between religious law and international legal standards.
In a statement issued to Sunday PUNCH, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Garba Waiya, stated that the state remains steadfast in its position, emphasizing that the laws reflect the moral and religious convictions of the people of Kano.
“We will not allow external forces to dictate our values. Our obligation is to defend the cultural and religious identity of our society,” Waiya said.
“While we recognize international viewpoints, our legal structure is based on the will and beliefs of our citizens.”
Waiya pointed out that Nigeria’s federal system gives states the constitutional power to establish laws that suit their specific religious and cultural contexts.
He stressed that the laws are vital to maintaining peace and order in Kano, saying, “Our people have entrusted us with preserving the sanctity of their faith. These laws are essential to that trust and will remain firmly enforced.”
Though Kano acknowledged the ECOWAS Court’s decision, the state government insisted that local realities must guide legal enforcement.
“We respect the authority of the court,” Waiya noted, “but our legal decisions must align with the values and religious commitments of our people.”
Kano officials argued that their stance is not a deviation from national law but rather an expression of Nigeria’s legal pluralism, which allows states to legislate on matters such as criminal law within the bounds of the Constitution.
