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You instituted Sharia law – US lawmaker Riley Moore slams Kwankwaso
U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has criticised former Kano State Governor and Nigerian politician Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accusing him of complicity in the persecution and death of Christians following his administration’s introduction of Sharia law in 2000.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Moore wrote:
“Governor do you care to comment on your own complicity in the death of Christians? You instituted Sharia law. You signed the law that makes so-called blasphemy punishable by death.”
His remarks were accompanied by a screenshot of a BBC News report dated November 26, 2000, titled “Kano introduces full Sharia law.” The article, written by Barnaby Phillips, reported that Kano State, under Kwankwaso’s leadership, was bringing the Islamic legal code into full effect, joining other northern Nigerian states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Yobe, Jigawa, and Borno.
The BBC report noted that Sharia law had been formally launched in Kano at a rally attended by hundreds of thousands of people, though the legal provisions were only fully implemented months later. The story also highlighted that Governor Kwankwaso had come under “tremendous pressure to follow the example of other northern states” in adopting full Sharia law.
Moore’s statement came in reaction to a post by Kwankwaso, who expressed concern over recent U.S. comments on Nigeria’s human rights and religious freedom record. Kwankwaso had criticised former U.S. President Donald Trump for designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” insisting that insecurity in the country “does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs.”
Kwankwaso’s message on X read:
“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs.
The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country.
The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.”
Kwankwaso concluded his statement by calling for unity:
“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria.”
Moore’s response has reignited debate over the introduction of Sharia law in northern Nigeria, which critics say has led to religious intolerance and discrimination, particularly against Christians and non-Muslims.
Kwankwaso, who served as Governor of Kano State from 1999 to 2003, has not yet publicly responded to Moore’s accusations.
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