By PHILOMINA ATTAH

The Catholic Church has called for caution in the push for implementation of Sharia law in the South-West states of Nigeria.

The Director of Mission and Dialogue, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emehel, made this known while fielding questions from journalists at the 5th Annual Media Parley in Abuja on Thursday.

He described the recent development as a sensitive matter that required a careful observation and called for a rethink for the sake of other believers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that there were fliers in circulation inviting guests from across the country to the inauguration of a Sharia court earlier scheduled for Jan. 11, in Oyo.

However, the event drew criticism from a cross-section of Nigerians, with many arguing that the predominantly Yoruba South-West was distinct from the north, where Muslims are in the majority.

Emehel said that while the Nigeria Constitution allows for Sharia Law, the rights of others must be considered and respected too.

He said that caution must be exercised in the South-West, which remains a melting pot of Muslims, Christians, and African traditional religious activities.

?The Nigerian constitution actually allows Sharia law to be implemented, especially on personal issues such as marriage, inheritance.

?But issues of infringing on other faiths? rights should be greatly considered.

?The introduction or implementation of the law in some parts of Nigeria will cause a lot of issues,? he said.

He cautioned that all these should be considered, and explained it was the reason the constitution allows for religious liberty, which allows people to fulfil their rights.

?And in a place where you find in the same family people who follow these three main religions is difficult for the introduction of Sharia law.

?So the church in Nigeria, the Catholic Church in Nigeria, is asking for caution.

?First, not to throw away the legitimate desires of the people, but very importantly, look at the people?s interests first,? he said.

NAN reports that Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, while reacting to the development recently acknowledged the proposed Sharia court and the controversy it had sparked.

?Regarding the establishment of a Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but as for me, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria.

?If their actions are within the law, fine; if not, they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,? the governor stated in a broadcast. (Text, excluding headline: NAN)

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