Adeleke Backs Sharifdeen Abbas’ Critique of Shari’ah Opposition
By KEMI KASUMU
“This is indeed a pitiable situation! Unfortunately, it is not surprising that the so-called educated illiterates among Christians, as well as the half-baked Muslim scholars in the South-Western states, are often at the forefront of promoting mysterious ideas and agendas, whether knowingly or unknowingly,” Adeleke said.
A concerned Nigerian based in Abuja, Adeleke Abdul-Manan, has backed an article by Sharifdeen Abbas on the debate over Shari’ah in Northern Nigeria, describing the writer’s position as timely and reflective of the realities in Nigerian society.
ALSO READ: Before You Criticise Shari’ah in Northern Nigeria, Look at Your Own Society
Adeleke was reacting to Abbas’ article published in The DEFENDER Newspaper on Friday, August 21, 2026, titled “Before You Criticise Shari’ah in Northern Nigeria, Look At Your Own Society”.
According to him, Abbas was right to draw attention to what he described as inconsistencies in the way some Nigerians criticise Shari’ah while overlooking social and moral challenges in their own communities.
“This is indeed a pitiable situation! Unfortunately, it is not surprising that the so-called educated illiterates among Christians, as well as the half-baked Muslim scholars in the South-Western states, are often at the forefront of promoting mysterious ideas and agendas, whether knowingly or unknowingly,” Adeleke said.
He urged Nigerians engaging in discussions about religion, law and society to approach such issues with fairness, knowledge and respect for differing perspectives.
Adeleke also called for more informed public discourse, saying debates on Shari’ah should not be driven by stereotypes, misinformation or political sentiments.
Insisting that Shari’ah debate should be based on constitution, not regional bias, Sharifdeen Abbas, in the article urged Nigerians to approach debates over Shari’ah in Northern Nigeria with fairness, constitutional awareness and mutual respect.
Abbas argued that while some Southern Nigerians strongly criticise the renewed application of Shari’ah in parts of the North, similar social regulations introduced in Southern states are sometimes viewed differently.
He cited past policies in Anambra State under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, arguing that critics should apply the same standards when assessing laws and policies across different regions.
According to him, states have the right to make laws to address social problems, provided such laws comply with the Nigerian Constitution.
Abbas also cautioned against what he described as misinformation and inflammatory reporting about Shari’ah, saying such narratives could deepen regional and religious tensions.
He maintained that Muslims and Christians across Nigeria are entitled to their constitutional rights and that criticism of any law should be based on facts rather than stereotypes.
“The real issue should not be whether a law comes from the North or the South, or whether it is supported by Muslims or Christians. The real question should be whether it is lawful, fair, constitutional and beneficial to the people,” Abbas said.
He therefore called on Nigerians to promote dialogue, fairness and national unity when discussing religious and regional issues.
