Nigeria has experienced a creeping Islamization since the 1804 Jihad, only interrupted by the British colonial era, with Islamic radicals pursuing a goal of “dipping the Koran in the sea”

•1960-1977: Secular state (and occasionally) constitution in force; Sharia negotiated away during pre- independence negotiations

•1977-78: New constitution being drafted; efforts to introduce federal Islamic law up to creating a Sharia Supreme Court headed by a Grand Mufti with powers equal to Chief Justice of Federation; defeated at last minute.  Efforts backed by then and current president, General Obasanjo

•1979-83: Era of first post-war civilian government led by Alhaji Shehu Shagari.  Sharia issues raised but no significant gains

•1983-85: Era of brutal Buhari-Idiagbon dictatorship.   Regime focused on repression, hence did not push forward on Sharia agenda

•1985-93: Era of Babangida dictatorship.  Nigeria secretly enrolled in Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) by General Babangida.  Nigeria also joined the Islamic Development Bank

•1993-98: Era of Abacha dictatorship.  Nigeria openly participates in OIC and D8 (Islamic Development Conference) meetings.

•1999 - Present: Proclamation of Sharia Law and emergence of nine Islamic States in northern Nigeria.  President Obasanjo declines to mount constitutional challenge; insists not a problem