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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The President of the Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Hon. Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki, has cautioned Nigerians against believing an unverified online report alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to rename Nigeria the United States of Nigeria, abolish Sharia criminal law in the North, and restructure the federation without national consensus.
Danmaliki, who holds the traditional title of Danmaliki of Bauchi Emirate, made the call in a statement personally signed by him in reaction to the viral report circulating on social media.
He described the publication as sensational, unverified, and capable of provoking unnecessary religious and regional tension.
According to him, constitutional amendments cannot be introduced through anonymous leaks or online rumours, stressing that Nigeria’s Constitution cannot be rewritten through speculation.
Danmaliki reaffirmed that Sharia criminal law remains a constitutionally protected legal system for Muslims in Nigeria and cannot be abolished without due constitutional process.
He noted that Sharia courts apply only to Muslims and do not infringe on the rights of non-Muslims, adding that the system has historically provided fair and transparent justice.
The BACCIMA president warned that the report appeared deliberately crafted to inflame tensions between the North and South, urging Nigerians not to allow misinformation to divide the country at a time of economic and security challenges.
While acknowledging ongoing discussions on restructuring, he said such reforms must come through inclusive national dialogue and broad consensus, not through actions that undermine religious or constitutional rights.
Danmaliki called on political leaders, media organisations, and the general public to exercise restraint and verify information until official clarification is issued by the Federal Government.
He assured Nigerians that any genuine attempt to alter the constitutional balance or remove Sharia jurisdiction would be challenged through legal, democratic, and institutional means.
