The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly opposed the introduction of the Islamic Penal Code, commonly known as Sharia Court, in the South-West region of Nigeria. The Christian body made its stance clear through an official announcement on its X handle, emphasizing that such a move threatens religious harmony and Nigeria’s secular status.
PFN’s rejection comes amid rising concerns over the growing influence of religious laws in a constitutionally secular nation. The fellowship insists that the South-West, a region known for its religious diversity and tolerance, should not be subjected to laws that could deepen divisions and fuel tension.
“This is a direct affront to the constitutional rights of millions of Nigerians,” the PFN stated. “We firmly reject any attempt to impose religious laws on communities that do not share the same faith. Nigeria is a multi-religious nation, and its legal system must reflect this diversity rather than cater to one religious ideology.”
The implementation of Sharia law has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, particularly in the northern states, where it has coexisted with the common law system. However, its extension to the South-West, a region with a significant Christian and traditional religious population, has sparked outrage among religious groups and civil rights activists.
The PFN further called on the Federal Government, state governments, and lawmakers to uphold Nigeria’s secular foundation and resist any policies that may infringe on the rights of citizens to practice their faith freely.
As debates over Sharia law continue to unfold, observers warn that any attempt to enforce it beyond Muslim-majority areas could lead to heightened religious tensions and further polarize an already divided nation.
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