Christian group demands Nigeria’s withdrawal from OIC, rejects sharia expansion
Professor Ebitimi Weigha and OIC logo.
Published By: Michael Adesina
Chairman of Thinking Hat, an associate of Christian Soul Winners Worldwide in Nigeria, Professor Ebitimi Weigha, has reacted to the call by Professor Funlayo Adesanya-Davies urging President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to withdraw Nigeria from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other global Islamic organizations.
Nigeria has been a member of the OIC since 1986, joining the 57-member-state organization, which was established to preserve Islamic values and solidarity.
Critics argue that as a secular nation operating under a democratic system, Nigeria’s membership in the OIC raises concerns, given that the organization focuses on the social, economic, cultural, and political affairs of the global Muslim community.
Professor Weigha, also on his part, insisted that Nigeria is not a Muslim nation and should immediately begin the process of withdrawing from the OIC.
He further opposed the proposed establishment of Sharia courts in the Southwest, arguing that Sharia, which governs an Islamic society, should not be extended beyond its existing presence in about 12 states in Northern Nigeria.
He maintained that the practice of Sharia in Nigeria has not allowed non-Muslims to enjoy peace due to the actions of extremists.
He explained that Sharia is based on three main sources—the Quran, Islamic traditions, and the guidance of Islamic scholars in authority—but stated that in Nigeria, an “extreme” form of Sharia is being practiced.
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He called on patriotic Nigerians to resist any attempt to impose an Islamic government, insisting that Nigeria already has a secular government that is widely accepted.
Concerns over religious intolerance, terrorism, and kidnapping were also raised by Christian leaders.
Professor Weigha stated that extremism in Islam disregards the teachings of the Quran and has led to troubling incidents in Nigeria.
He cited cases where rape victims were sentenced to death by stoning for alleged adultery and referenced the killing of a female student in Northern Nigeria by extremists over religious convictions.
Weigha also pointed out contradictions between Sharia law and the Nigerian Constitution. Section 10 of the Constitution states: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.” He emphasized that both federal and state governments should neither aid nor promote any religion, but accused them of disregarding this principle.
He further criticized the establishment of Hisbah, an Islamic vigilante group enforcing Sharia law in some northern states, arguing that law enforcement is the responsibility of the Nigerian Police, a federal institution.
Christian scholars, led by Professor Weigha, also demanded that the Nigerian government reject any religiously inspired laws, such as Sharia, and completely withdraw the country from the OIC and other global Islamic groups.
