Ahmed Yerima, a former Governor of Zamfara state, has explained why he introduced Sharia law in the state.
Addressing journalists after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday May 6, the former Governor said he introduced Sharia law in the state in line with the constitution on the freedom of religion.
Commenting on being perceived as a religious extremist, Yerima described it as “ignorance”, adding that it is one of things he would fight if elected as President of Nigeria.
He said; “On the issue of Sharia, I’m a Muslim and I say everywhere I go, that I am a Muslim and I want to die as a Muslim. Like I said, I’m going to fight the problem of ignorance and this is one of them.
“People don’t know; a lot of people don’t know that the constitution of Nigeria, section 38, has provided for freedom of religion, including the freedom to change your religion if you want to, to practise alone, or in community with others, in private or in public.
“So, as governor of the state, I followed the constitutional provision, prepared a law, sent it to the state assembly and they passed it into law and I implemented what the constitution of Nigeria has given me the powers to do, even in Zamfara state.
“I have never, never required or asked or forced any Christian to follow Islamic faith because I would have done an unconstitutional act.
“So, if I’m elected, by the grace of God, I’m going to be elected under the constitution and I’m going to take an oath to protect and defend the constitution of Nigeria. I will never do anything unconstitutional.”