Nigeria, Feb. 16 -- Does Nigeria need other courts apart from the courts established and recognized by the constitution? Specifically, does Nigeria require religious courts? While many in the country agree that such courts have become necessary, many more are up in arms against it. This debates, as needless as they are, come at a time when Nigerians should be dissipating their energies towards driving that which builds rather than tears down.

In 1998, as Nigeria sought to escape the terrible talons of military rule, there was an overarching need for a new constitution, one which crystallized the dreams and aspirations of Nigerians, while providing a robust platform for the country as it embarked on a new phase.

The consultations were as...