The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has expressed deep disappointment over the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima into office in 2023, stating that it has failed to deliver the anticipated benefits for the Muslim community, particularly in Yorubaland, despite their significant population in the country.
Speaking at the Pre-Ramadan Lecture held in Kaduna on Tuesday, Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah, President of the SCSN, lamented that millions of Muslims remain politically marginalized across Nigeria, especially in the South-West, where they overwhelmingly supported the ticket. He emphasized that the Council has not witnessed the expected advantages of having a Muslim-Muslim presidency, contrary to the widespread belief that it would benefit the Muslim community.
“We have seen Nigerians vote for leaders of the same Islamic faith into the presidency without turning the country into a perpetual battlefield. However, we have not seen justice and equity extended to all communities, regardless of their faith,” Hadiyyatullah stated.
He further criticized the ongoing marginalization of Muslims in various regions, despite their substantial population and constitutional rights. The SCSN President warned against attempts to suppress the rights of South-West Muslims to establish mechanisms that foster peaceful coexistence with Christians in their communities.
“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the South-West and advise those who seek to divide the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to find other pursuits. The Ummah looks to us for guidance and assurance that their faith will not be sacrificed on the altar of political opportunism and greed. Many Muslims feel betrayed for voting this administration into power,” he added.
Socio-Economic Hardship and Insecurity
Sheikh Hadiyyatullah also expressed grave concern over the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country, which he described as increasingly unbearable. He highlighted the adverse effects of government policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, which have led to skyrocketing costs of living, making food, transportation, and essential goods unaffordable for many Nigerians.
“The depreciation of the Naira, high inflation, and stagnant wages have further eroded the purchasing power of citizens. The Council has consistently advised the administration to adopt policies that alleviate these hardships. However, it is alarming that, within a short period, the government has introduced multiple new taxes and tariffs, including a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, a 4% FOB charge on imports, a 15% NPA tariff, a 100% hike in ATM charges, and proposed electricity tariff increases,” he said.
The SCSN President reiterated the Council’s commitment to advocating for the easing of these draconian policies to protect the interests of the poor and vulnerable.
On the issue of insecurity, Sheikh Hadiyyatullah expressed deep concern over recent revelations of government-owned weapons falling into the hands of criminals and the disappearance of 3,907 rifles from the police armoury, as reported by the Auditor-General to the Senate. He noted that these developments have not been met with any significant consequences or accountability.
“For over two decades, the Council has played a pivotal role in addressing insecurity and ethno-religious crises in Nigeria. In the past year, we have engaged with major security stakeholders, including the intelligence community and other strategic actors. These developments demand urgent and decisive action from the government,” he emphasized.
Call for Unity and Progress
The SCSN President underscored the importance of unity among Muslims, stating that the Council would continue to work toward the unity and progress of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of Muslims across the country.
“The Supreme Council for Shari’ah has been a longstanding partner in Nigeria’s progress and development. For over two decades, we have actively contributed to the nation’s political and socio-economic development, with the unity of the Ummah as the cornerstone of our efforts. As a religious body, one of our core objectives is the realization of a prosperous Ummah and a country that is economically, socially, educationally, and politically viable. Despite the formidable challenges facing our nation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to contributing to its success,” Sheikh Hadiyyatullah concluded.
The SCSN’s remarks come at a critical time as Nigeria grapples with economic hardship, insecurity, and growing concerns over religious and ethnic divisions. The Council’s call for justice, equity, and unity highlights the need for inclusive governance and policies that address the grievances of all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
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