Rasheeda Yahaya
By Ahmed Ahmed
Elder statesman and Danmaliki of Bauchi, Hon. Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki, has cautioned Nigerians against circulating or believing an unverified online report alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to rename the country as the “United States of Nigeria,” abolish Shariah criminal law in the North, and restructure the nation without national consensus.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the BACCIMA President described the publication as “sensational, unverified, and capable of provoking unnecessary tension.” He stressed that constitutional amendments cannot originate from anonymous online leaks,
He noted that only officially confirmed proposals from the Presidency should be considered credible.
“Nigeria’s Constitution cannot be rewritten through rumours,” Danmaliki warned. “Until there is formal communication from the Presidency, this report remains speculative and should be treated with caution.”
Addressing the alleged plan to abolish Shariah, he reaffirmed that the system remains a constitutional right for Nigerian Muslims.
“Shariah is a constitutional right, not a political favour. No individual or government can tamper with it without following due constitutional processes. Any attempt to undermine Muslim legal rights will be democratically resisted,” he stated.
Danmaliki noted that Shariah courts do not affect non-Muslims and have historically provided fair and transparent legal processes.
He advised the Federal Government to avoid actions or statements capable of heightening religious or regional tensions, warning that the viral report appears designed to “provoke the North and excite the South.”
While acknowledging ongoing debates on restructuring, he stressed that meaningful reform must be achieved through dialogue, transparency, and broad national agreement.
“The North is not afraid of restructuring, but it cannot come in the form of abolishing Shariah or diminishing the religious identity of any group,” he said.
He urged leaders, media houses, and citizens to verify information before reacting, reiterating that any genuine attempt to alter the constitutional balance will face lawful and democratic resistance.
