Against a verdict by the ECOWAS Court of Justice, asserting the constitutional right to uphold religious sanctity within its jurisdiction, the Kano State Government has defended its blasphemy laws.
The ECOWAS court’s judgment sparked a fierce debate following the declaration that certain aspects of the blasphemy laws inconsistent with international human rights standards.
In a statement, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, on Sunday, explained that Kano remained unyielding, citing its legal authority to protect the values and beliefs of its predominantly Muslim population.
He said that they would not be deterred by external pressures, stressing that their responsibility is to uphold the values of their society, grounded in religious and moral beliefs, while they respect international opinions.
According to him, “The Kano government’s defencee is rooted in Nigeria’s federal system, where states retain the right to enact laws reflecting local social, moral, and religious contexts.”
He added that the people of Kano have entrusted them with the responsibility to maintain peace and protect their religious values, adding that the laws are central to that mission, and they will remain firmly in place.
Waiya reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the protection of religious sanctity and public order, while acknowledging the EXOWAS Court’s judgement.
He stated that they fully respect the court’s authority, but the laws that govern their state must reflect the unique moral and religious fabric of their people.
The state argued that its blasphemy laws are not an aberration but a recognition of Nigeria’s legal pluralism, where state legislatures are empowered to legislate on matters within the Concurrent Legislative List, including criminal law.
