LAGOS – As Nigeria grapples with recurring religious tensions, experts are calling for a critical review of Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that current provisions protecting freedom of religion fail to address the misuse of faith to incite hatred and division.
In a recent commentary, Akande Olakunle Toheeb, CEO of D2D Global Limited and political analyst, emphasized that while freedom of thought and religion is a constitutional right, it must not become a shield for promoting hostility, superiority, or violence against other faiths.
“To build a peaceful nation, it is time for the Federal Government to strengthen Section 38 for modern realities,” Olakunle Toheeb said. He proposed the creation of a National Religious Review Council, composed of scholars, professors, and experts in comparative religion and peace studies. The council would examine religious texts and reinterpret or remove passages that encourage hatred or discrimination.
The proposed reforms would also include strict penalties for religious leaders who incite violence or sow division, as well as rehabilitation programs for individuals radicalized by extreme doctrines. Olakunle Toheeb insists that these measures are not an attack on religion, but a step toward ensuring responsible religious freedom that unites rather than divides Nigeria.
Analysts say that with Nigeria’s diverse religious landscape, a proactive approach to regulating harmful teachings and promoting tolerance is essential for long-term peace and stability.
