DATE=6/21/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=NIGERIA / SHARIA (L-UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-263634
BYLINE=PURNELL MURDOCK
DATELINE=ABIDJAN
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Nigeria's northern state of Kano [pron: `KAH-
no] has formally adopted the strict Islamic law known
as Sharia. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims gathered
in the state capital to celebrate the event
(Wednesday). But as V-O-A correspondent Purnell
Murdock reports from our West Africa Bureau, it will
be months before new laws based on the Koran are in
effect.
TEXT: Kano state officials say they will delay
implementing the new legal system until the beginning
of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in late November.
That will give the government time to establish
Islamic courts and train an Islamic judiciary.
Officials say the implementation of Sharia gives the
state two sets of laws -- one for Muslims, the other
for non-Muslims. So, they say, non-Muslims should not
fear the harsh penalties under Sharia.
Sani Mohamad Ousmane, a spokesman for the Kano state
governor, says Kano's predominantly Muslim population
wants the new law.
/// OUSMANE ACT ///
We as Muslims believe that the Sharia will bring
sanity and change the attitude of the people.
We believe that with the introduction of Sharia
the rate of crime will drop in Kano. Islam is a
complete way of life, so we are following that
life.
/// END ACT ///
Still, large numbers of non-Muslims in the northern
state have reportedly moved south, to escape what they
believe will be a harsh legal system. Sharia imposes
stiff punishments for some crimes, including hand
amputation for theft and death for adultery.
Haruna Salihi, a lecturer in the political science
department at Kano's Bayero University, says many
people misunderstand what Sharia is about.
/// SALIHI ACT ///
What is very clear is that most of Sharia is not
in the punishment, or what is carried out in the
courts. Most of Sharia is in the relations
between people -- in one's family, in one's
business and one's professional transactions.
/// END ACT ///
Kano has the largest number of Muslims of any state in
Nigeria. Three other northern states -- Zamfara,
Niger and Sokoto -- have already adopted the strict
Islamic code.
Nigerian officials insist the country can function
with two different legal systems. They say it is not
unlike some western nations - such as the United
States - where state laws can differ.
The officials say the people of Nigeria's
predominantly Muslim north want a legal code that
corresponds to their religious beliefs and lifestyles,
and they are willing to accept its strict legal
remedies. (Signed)
NEB/WPM/WTW
21-Jun-2000 18:56 PM EDT (21-Jun-2000 2256 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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