The Kano State Government has stood firm in defense of its blasphemy laws, following a ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice that found aspects of the legislation to be at odds with international human rights standards.
The judgment has ignited a heated conversation on the balance between religious laws and international obligations.
In a statement shared withThe PUNCH on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, emphasized the state’s unwavering stance, stressing Kano’s constitutional authority to safeguard the religious values of its predominantly Muslim population.
“We will not be deterred by external pressures. Our responsibility is to uphold the values of our society, which are grounded in religious and moral beliefs. While we respect international opinions, our laws are a reflection of our people’s will,” Waiya stated.
According to the commissioner, Kano’s position is anchored in Nigeria’s federal system, which grants states the power to enact laws in line with their specific social, religious, and cultural contexts.
“The people of Kano have entrusted us with the responsibility to maintain peace and protect their religious values. These laws are central to that mission, and they will remain firmly in place,” he added.
While expressing respect for the ECOWAS Court’s authority, the state government reaffirmed its dedication to preserving public order and religious reverence.
“We fully respect the court’s authority, but the laws that govern our state must reflect the unique moral and religious fabric of our people,” Waiya said.
Kano further maintains that its blasphemy laws are a reflection of Nigeria’s legal diversity, where state legislatures have the constitutional mandate to formulate laws on matters like criminal justice within the Concurrent Legislative List.
