The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing its blasphemy laws, following a ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice that found some aspects of those laws incompatible with international human rights standards.
In response to the verdict, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, issued a statement defending Kano’s legal stance and rejecting calls for changes.
“We will not be deterred by external pressures. Our responsibility is to uphold the values of our society, which are grounded in religious and moral beliefs. While we respect international opinions, our laws are a reflection of our people’s will,” Waiya said.
He emphasized that Kano State is operating within the provisions of Nigeria’s federal structure, which grants states the authority to enact laws reflecting their distinct social and religious realities.
“The Kano government’s defence is rooted in Nigeria’s federal system, where states retain the right to enact laws reflecting local social, moral, and religious contexts,” he stated.
The ECOWAS Court’s judgment has stirred national and international attention, but Kano authorities remain steadfast, insisting that their legal framework reflects the will and values of their predominantly Muslim population.
“The people of Kano have entrusted us with the responsibility to maintain peace and protect their religious values. These laws are central to that mission, and they will remain firmly in place,” Waiya added.
While the government acknowledges the ECOWAS Court’s ruling, it maintains that domestic laws should reflect the unique dynamics of its society.
“We fully respect the court’s authority, but the laws that govern our state must reflect the unique moral and religious fabric of our people,” Waiya concluded.
