The initiative is strongly supported by Muslims, but has alarmed the Christian minority. Peter Hain, British Foreign Minister, told the "Daily Telegraph" that "North-south tensions could be exacerbated by the introduction of Sharia," since the north is primarily Muslim and the south Christian.

    It is expected that other northern states will follow Zamfara's lead in applying the Sharia. Ahmed Sani, Governor of Zamfara, assured that the measure would "reduce crime and restore morality to our corrupt society."

    Authorities have assured that the law would only apply to Muslims and "consenting Christians," but the minority Christian communities fear that inter-tribal relations will be poisoned by the measure.

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