Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has assured 2022 Batch ‘B’ Stream 11 corps members in Sokoto State that Shari’a Law is not binding on non-Muslims in the state.
He, however, assured them that their safety was guaranteed despite some security challenges facing the country.
Sultan gave the assurance on Thursday in his palace when the NYSC management team in the state led by the state coordinator and some selected corps members paid him a courtesy visit.
Abubakar further assured them that they would be allowed to practice the religion of their choice.
He noted that Sharia law is not binding on non-Muslims, stressing that nobody would be coerced to join Muslims against his or her wish.
“In Sokoto, Sharia law is only binding on Muslims, nobody will force you to wear hijab or force you to obey Islamic laws if you are not a Muslim he stated.
He enjoined the corps members to spread joy and embrace religious tolerance. He also urged them to continue to be law-abiding and serve as role models to the younger generations.
He implored them to perform their duties with diligence and guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-laws as well as workplace rules and regulations.
“If you are posted to school, impact in the lives of the students, make them better than you met them,” he added.
The monarch urged them to respect the cultures and customs of their host communities.
“If you have a problem at the place of your primary assignment or where you are posted to, contact the district head over there they are your guardians in the community,” he said.
He maintained that injustice is responsible for most problems in society urging them to study and understand the lifestyle of the people of their host communities.
On his part, the NYSC State Coordinator, Muhammad Nakamba, said this batch of corps members are exceptional in terms of discipline and obedience to camp rules and regulations.
Nakamba said they were in the palace to seek royal blessings from Sultan while thanking him for unflinching support to the scheme.