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Religious law and the new constitution

[Guinea-Bissau] Supporters of PAIGC presidential candidate Malam Bacai Sanha at his last campaign rally in Bissau on June 17 2005 ahead of Guinea-Bissau's June 19 presidential election. IRIN
Supporters of PAIGC presidential candidate Malam Bacai Sanha at a campaign rally
    BISSAU

    Nigeria's ruling council dismissed reports on Friday it was seriously divided over whether Islamic law should have a place in the new constitution, news organisations reported.

    "There is no plan to impose Sharia law on the Nigerian populace," Rear-Admiral Taiwo Odedina told reporters after a four-day meeting of the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) which ended on Friday without releasing the constitution.

    Meanwhile Nigeria's transport minister, Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni, said on Thursday that the new constitution would not come into effect until 29 May, even if it was released earlier, the independent daily, 'The Guardian', reported.

    Nigeria's military rulers are due to hand power to the civilian
    president-elect, General Olusegun Obasanjo on 29 May.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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