To ensure a permanent solution to all these problems, we are convinced that Nigeria will now have to review our constitution along these lines. There should be no room for special provisions for any religion within our constitution. The statement was signed by Archbishop Albet Obiefuna and Bishop Micheal Okoro, CBCN secretary. Nigeria's constitution prohibits the declaration of a state religion and guarantees the right to freedom of religion. However, it permits the establishment of Sharia courts at both the state and federal levels.
Sharia courts have jurisdiction in civil proceedings regarding marriage, inheritance and adoption.
Some northern state governors, led by Sani Ahmed of Zamfara state, however, adopted Sharia penal law as well, which allows flogging, amputation and beheading for some crimes. Although Muslim governors promised that Christians would not be affected, women in Zamfara were prohibited from riding the same buses as men and often waited hours for transport. Disagreement between Christians and Muslims in Kaduna state turned violent last month when Christians demonstrating against Sharia in the city of Kaduna were attacked. As many as 400 people died during several days of fighting, and numerous churches, mosques and shops were destroyed. Many Christians have left the city.