A Bauchi traditional titleholder, Aminu Danmaliki, has cautioned Nigerians against circulating or believing what he described as an unverified online report alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to rename the country as the “United States of Nigeria,” abolish Shariah criminal law in the North, and restructure the country without national consensus.
Danmaliki, the custodian of the Danmalikin Bauchi traditional title, issued the warning in a personally signed statement made available to journalists on Wednesday while reacting to a viral video containing the claims.
He dismissed the publication as “sensational, unverified, and capable of provoking unnecessary tension,” stressing that constitutional amendments cannot emerge from anonymous leaks or unsubstantiated online content.
“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.
Addressing the specific claim that Shariah criminal law would be abolished, Danmaliki reaffirmed that Shariah remains a constitutionally protected legal system for Muslims in Nigeria.
“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 declared.
He further noted that Shariah courts do not interfere with the rights of non-Muslims and have historically provided “a fair, transparent, and rights-based legal system admired globally.”
Danmaliki also warned that the viral report appears designed to stoke religious and regional divisions, adding that the Federal Government must avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension.
“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 said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s ongoing debate over restructuring, the traditional leader emphasised that reforms must follow due process and national consensus.
“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 stated.
Danmaliki urged leaders, media organisations, and citizens to avoid inflammatory reactions and await 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,” he added.
He assured Nigerians that any genuine attempt to alter the constitutional balance or remove Shariah jurisdiction would be met with legal, democratic, and institutional resistance.
