Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Delta state chapter, Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa, at a press conference on Thursday in Warri, opposed the planned introduction of Islamic banking in the country.
"The introduction of Islamic banking in Nigeria is unlawful, unacceptable and unjustifiable in its whole ramification. It means the 'islamicisation' of banking in the country", Avwomakpa said.
Avwomakpa quoted section 43 of the BOFIA (Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act), which he said barred any individual or group from using names such as ''Islamic, Muslim, Quranic and Christian'' except with the authority of the CBN governor who should further take directives from the Minister of Finance. He said there was no finance minister to ratify the establishment of Islamic banking now,
However, Governor of the CBN, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, had insisted that Islamic banking had nothing to do with the promotion of religion or any belief, describing it as another financial product designed to diversify and broaden the scope of banking services to customers.
''This is the only country in the world that I know that Islamic banking is being seen as a religious issue. But this view is being held by the minority. There is nothing illegal about it. The BOFIA was amended specifically to allow for it'', Sanusi said.
it seems u xtians like to hear negative things about islam.....when the good things come ..u reject it....CAN, put ur heads together and form ur own bank according to ur scripture..leave islamic bank alone
I don't see it as a bad move to have Islamic banking system in Nigeria as long as the current system exists. The current banking system is western and the practices may not satisfy some set of people. When the banking sector is diversified, it creates more rooms for consumer freedom. If the system is endorsed and started, I am quite sure Christians will enjoy it as well because of the mode of operation. Consumers can have interest-free loans and many more.
I think, there is need to enlighten the society about what Islamic banking concept entails.
Nigeria will not be an exception, if Islamic banking system is approved. It exists in the UK, US, and most western nations who are more Christianize than Nigeria.
The following are resources and links on Islamic banks in the United States, UK and others:
- Islamic Banks in the United States (http://www.kslaw.com/imageserver/KSPublic/Library/publication/6-09%20New%20Horizon%20Shayesteh.pdf)
- https://www.lariba.com/default.htm
- Islamic Bank Of Britain (IBB) • Home (http://www.islamic-bank.com/)
- List of Islamic Banks (http://muttaqun.com/banks.html)
- Muslim Computers, Internet & Communications in United Kingdom (http://www.tijarapages.com/categories.asp?id=129&cid=-1991031952)
- EIIB (http://www.eiib.co.uk/html/)
- alburaq - Shariah Compliant Halal Finance (http://www.alburaq.co.uk/)
- Manzil Home Page (http://www.iibu.com/)
If the practice did not cause any 'islamicisation' of banking in US and the UK, why then in Nigeria. What do you think?
Share your opinion!