BACCIMA President Cautions Nigerians Over Call on Tinubu to Abolish Sharia Criminal Law 

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The President Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Hon. Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki, has cautioned Nigerians against falling for an unverified online report claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning to rename the country the United States of Nigeria, and abolish Sharia criminal law in the North, and restructure the federation without national consensus.

Alhaji Aminu who holds the traditional title ‘The Danmaliki of Bauchi Emirate’ said this in a statement he personally signed yesterday when he reacted to the Viral Report circulating in the social media on federal government desire to rename Nigeria and also abolish the Sharia Law in Nigeria.

Danmaliki 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.”

Reacting specifically to the claim that Sharia criminal law will be abolished, Danmaliki reaffirmed that Sharia remains a constitutionally protected system for Nigerian Muslims.

“Sharia is a constitutional right, not a political favour. No individual or government can tamper with it without following due constitutional processes. Any attempt to undermine Muslim legal rights will be democratically resisted.”

He said that Sharia 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 warned that the viral report appears crafted to ignite conflict between Nigeria’s regions and religions:

“The intention behind this publication seems to be to provoke the North and excite the South. Nigerians must not allow misinformation to divide a country already facing economic and security challenges.”

While acknowledging ongoing debates about restructuring Nigeria, he stressed that such reforms must be achieved through national dialogue, transparency, and broad agreement, not through unilateral proposals:

“The North is not afraid of restructuring. But restructuring cannot come in the form of abolishing Sharia or diminishing the religious identity of any group particularly Muslims.”

Danmaliki urged leaders, media houses, and citizens to avoid inflammatory reactions until official clarification emerges from the federal government.

“This is a delicate moment for the nation. We must protect unity, verify information, and avoid statements that could cause fear or instability.”

He reassured Nigerians that any real attempt to alter the constitutional balance or remove Sharia jurisdiction will face legal, democratic, and institutional reactions.