…says practicing it or supporting it, not a crime
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has criticized a bill sponsored by US Senator Ted Cruz, which seeks to sanction individuals and government officials involved in the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria.
Reacting to the proposed legislation in a post on X on Saturday, Ahmad condemned the senator’s move.
According to him, practicing or supporting Sharia law in Nigeria should not be considered a crime.
He said: “So a US senator now proudly declares that they will attack those who helped implement Sharia law in Nigeria, as if practicing or supporting Sharia law is a crime. You are free to oppose Sharia law in your own country, but you have no jurisdiction to dictate the laws of ours. We will defend our sovereignty and our right to determine our own legal affairs.”
Ahmad’s statement comes after Senator Cruz announced that he had introduced a bill aimed at sanctioning Nigerian officials accused of enforcing blasphemy and Sharia laws, following allegations of Christian persecution in the country.
Cruz, in a statement issued Friday after US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” said the bill was designed to strengthen the US government’s position and hold accountable those responsible for alleged religious oppression.
He declared: “I am deeply pleased with President Trump for making this determination. I have fought for years to counter the killing and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year I introduced legislation that will secure the designation made today.”
According to him, the bill would impose tougher measures against Nigerian officials accused of fostering an environment in which Christians face targeted violence and discrimination.
“Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behavior of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment for outrages in Nigeria. My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures,” Cruz said.
He also praised President Trump’s leadership, adding, “President Trump’s decision today is excellent and I thank him for his strong leadership.”
Trump had previously alleged that thousands of Christians had been killed by radical Islamist groups in Nigeria, describing the situation as a growing threat to Christianity and calling for investigations and political action.
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