“Zainab Muhammed Must Not Die”: An Open Letter To Zamfara State Governor (His Excellency, Dauda Lawal) -By Dr. Timothy Dokpesi Adidi

I am writing to you not as a stranger, not as a Christian, not as a Muslim and not as an atheist. I am writing to Your Excellency as a Nigerian who believes in the values and dignity of the human person. Your Excellency, I am writing to you as a matter of urgency not to allow Zainab Muhammed die. Your excellency, as Nigerians we must uphold the dignity of the human person and freedom. Our human freedom is the basis for who we are; what we are; and what we become. I want to appeal to your esteemed office as one who upholds the tenets of democratic principles as the Chief Executive Officer of Zamfara State not to allow Zainab Muhammed die. Your excellency, Zainab Muhammed can be anybody tomorrow who might want to express her freedom to actualize her potentials in a manner that suits her person; and as such your Office can put an end to her death sentence.

Your excellency, I appeal to you to allow human reason come to the rescue of Zainab Muhammed. She is a human being before being a Muslim or a Christian. Religion does not take away our common humanity; but religion should make humanity flourish and not to dehumanize humanity. Islam upholds the dignity and sanctity of human life. Your excellency, you will agree with me that in Islam, Karamah al-Insan is a fundamental principle, emphasizing the inherent value and respect due to every human being. This is rooted in the belief that humans were created by God and are entrusted with life, which they cannot take or give up. This entails the respect for human life and protecting it. This applies to all individuals, regardless of their background, religious beliefs, or any other distinction, ensuring equal respect and protection of human life and dignity.

Your excellency, I have a deep respect for Sharia Laws. Nonetheless, we should understand why laws are made and the dynamic nature of human laws and Divine Laws. The purpose of Sharia, or Islamic law is to provide a comprehensive legal and moral system derived from the Quran, the Sunnah (Prophet Muhammed’s teachings and practices), and other Islamic sources. It is important that faith and reason come together in dialogue for the purpose of reducing religious extremism which most religious adherents are victims. This is also common in Christianity; but, as a people we are progressing and not going back to the dark age of religion. Let Zainab Muhammed not die in this era of civilization and enlightenment. Your powers as the Governor of Zamfara State can stop this ancient method of persecution. No doubt, every religion is a product of persecution be it Christianity, Islam, and even the African Traditional Religion (ATR); but the question is, what type of persecution?

The three (3) Abrahamic religions have a lot in common and we must continue to work together to build, to restore and to uphold the religious values we share in common. On this note Your excellency, let Zainab Muhammed not die. She must not die because her change of religion does not reduce her dignity; her change of religion does not reduce or take away her citizenship; her change of religion does not cause harm to the society; her change of religion does not increase or reduce the price of fuel in the oil market; her change of religion does not add or reduce kidnapping or insecurity in Nigeria; her change of religion does not reduce or increase minimum wage; her change of religion does not stop or increase banditry. Her change of religion is her life; her personal experience and her encounter. Hence, the Nigeria constitution which is the Supreme Law of the land protects religious freedom. Your excellency, it is the same Nigerian constitution you took an oath to protect those citizens under your care. In particular under Section 38, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This includes the freedom to change one’s religion and to publicly and privately manifest and propagate one’s belief.

I therefore, call on you to uphold the Nigerian constitution in its sacredness, sanctity and character to ensure Zainab Muhammed does not die. Her death can raise serious question to your office and what you stand for. Your excellency, remember that your political ambition and the personality you have created for yourself in Zamfara State is one that is respectable and considered viable for a futuristic political template which can propel you towards greater opportunity. As such, your excellency, do not allow her (Zainab Muhammed) die so as to increase your score card for a better political future to safeguard her dignity.

May I use this opportunity Your Excellency to appreciate your good works in Zamfara State and to encourage you to keep protecting the lives of every Nigerian in your care irrespective of their tribe, religion, ethnicity and gender.

Long Live the Governor of Zamfara State,
Long Live the People of Zamfara State
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Dr. Timothy Dokpesi Adidi
Writes from Abuja
21st May, 2025