The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing its blasphemy laws, despite a recent ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which declared parts of those laws inconsistent with international human rights norms.
This ruling has sparked debate around the intersection of religious legal frameworks and global human rights standards.
In a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Garba Waiya, expressed that Kano remains resolute in its stance.
He maintained that the laws reflect the deeply held moral and religious values of the people.
Waiya emphasized that the state will not yield to external pressures, stating that its priority is to safeguard the cultural and religious foundation of its society.
While acknowledging international perspectives, he noted that Kano’s legal system aligns with the convictions of its residents.
He further explained that Nigeria’s federal arrangement grants states the constitutional authority to enact laws tailored to their unique religious and cultural environments.
According to him, these laws are crucial for ensuring peace and stability within the state.
“Our citizens expect us to uphold the sanctity of their faith,” Waiya said, adding that the legal provisions in question are a reflection of that responsibility and will continue to be upheld.
While the state recognizes the ECOWAS Court’s verdict, it maintained that the implementation of laws must be informed by local context.
HWaiya clarified that Kano’s position is not in conflict with national legislation, but rather a demonstration of Nigeria’s legal diversity, which permits states to make certain laws within constitutional boundaries.
