Chamber Warns Against Viral Report On Renaming Nigeria, Abolishing Sharia

The president of the Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Hon. Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki, has cautioned Nigerians against falling for a viral online report alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to rename Nigeria as the ‘United States of Nigeria,’ abolish Shariah criminal law in the North, and restructure the federation without national consensus.

Aminu, who holds the traditional title of Danmaliki of the Bauchi Emirate, issued the warning in a statement he personally signed yesterday while reacting to the widely circulated social media publication.

He described the report as “Sensational, unverified, and capable of provoking unnecessary tension.”

According to him, constitutional amendments cannot originate from anonymous online sources or social media rumors.

“Nigeria’s Constitution cannot be rewritten through rumours. Until the Presidency officially confirms such proposals, this report remains speculative and should be treated with caution,” he said.

Responding to claims that the federal government plans to abolish Shariah criminal law, Danmaliki reaffirmed that Shariah remains constitutionally recognised and protected 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.

He added that Shariah courts do not affect non-Muslims and have historically offered a transparent and rights-based legal system respected around the world.

Danmaliki cautioned that the viral publication appears crafted to ignite division between Nigeria’s regions and religious groups.

“The intention behind this publication seems to be to provoke the North and excite the South. Nigerians must not allow misinformation to divide a country already facing economic and security challenges,” he warned.

While acknowledging ongoing national conversations about restructuring, Danmaliki stressed that such reforms must be achieved through dialogue and broad-based agreement, not unilateral or divisive proposals.

“The North is not afraid of restructuring. But restructuring cannot come in the form of abolishing Shariah or diminishing the religious identity of any group, particularly Muslims,” he said.

He urged leaders, media practitioners, and citizens to avoid inflammatory statements and wait for official clarification from the Federal Government.

“This is a delicate moment for the nation. We must protect unity, verify information, and avoid statements that could cause fear or instability.”