The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State chapter, has rejected the proposed Niger State Hisbah Directorates Bill, describing it as controversial and capable of deepening religious division in the state.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Reverend Bishop Bulus Yohanna, the association is urging Governor Umar Bago not to assent to the bill if it is passed by the State House of Assembly.
The law will pave the way for persecution and loss of freedom. The assenting to and enforcement of Hisbah will amount to a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land,” the statement insisted.
The association questioned the necessity and benefits of the proposed law, inquiring about the economic or social value it would bring to the state.
Yohanna further argued that existing security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, already have constitutional mandates to maintain law and order.
The Christian body also faulted the legislative process, disputing claims that it was consulted during a public hearing on the bill insisting that CAN was neither invited nor notified of any such engagement, despite being a critical stakeholder in the state.
According to CAN, Niger State is religiously diverse, and governance decisions should strengthen unity rather than deepen divides expressing concern that the proposed law could infringe on the constitutional rights of non-Muslims if assented to.
CAN, while calling on members of the State House of Assembly to reconsider the bill and focus on policies that promote development and peaceful coexistence, also appealed to residents of the state, irrespective of their religion or political affiliation, to speak out against any legislation capable of causing unrest.
The bill, sponsored by the member representing Chanchaga Constituency, Mohammed Abubakar, seeks to establish a Hisbah Directorate in Niger State which CAN warned that the legislation could be perceived as discriminatory against Christians and may heighten tension in the religiously diverse state.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
