‘Cut off hands of corrupt politicians’ — activist advocates Sharia law in Nigeria

Perry Brimah, a columnist and Nigerian activist in the diaspora, has proposed the implementation of Sharia law in the country.

Brimah said adopting Sharia law  which includes hand amputation as a penalty for politicians convicted of embezzlement, would help curb corruption in the country.

Brimah made the remarks while speaking on the planned establishment of a Sharia court in Oyo state when he appeared on HaveYourSay247 hosted by Rudolf Okonkwo.

The announcement by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria ignited public outcry after which the organisers suspended the event indefinitely.

The council said the announcement was for the establishment of Sharia arbitration panel, and not a court.

Sharing his thoughts on the issue, Brimah said there is nothing new in the plan since the Sharia legal system has existed in “different parts of Yorubaland for over 300 years” without any issues.

He argued that the western legal system that favours imprisonment cannot curb criminality in Nigeria, hence his advocacy for the a one-time capital punishment for offenders.

“Some people do not want the kind of law that some of us want. It’s a big conversation try to adjust this western law to be harsh enough on corrupt politicians and thieves,” he said.

“This western law is designed to let the wealthy get off. I  actually want the harsh Sharia. I want them to cut off the hands of Nigerian elected officials like they did in China.

“Other than Sharia and the capitalist law that Sharia has and not the western law that allows people get off, there is no solution to Nigeria’s criminality.

“Divine laws protect societies from the rot that is caused by the western laws that prioritise imprisoning people. It’s a ridiculous system that makes no sense.

“Societies don’t need to waste resources to put people in prison when their crimes can be dealt with immediately by lashing them in public or cutting off their hands and then letting them go.”

Brimah, who is an indigene of Kwara state, added that the north-central state has always operated Sharia courts without any problem for the non-Muslim population.

According to him, the people do not have problems with it because “it is just an additional legal resource, and no one is compelled to come under its jurisdiction”.