Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, has raised concern over the proposed Hisbah law by the State House of Assembly, indicating the segregation and discrimination of Christians in the state, observing that “it will create division amongst the people of the state.”
According to a statement issued in Minna and signed by the State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Association warned that the Niger State Hisbah Directorates Bill, sponsored by the member representing the Chanchaga Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, is a controversial Bill that should not be assented to by the Executive arm of Government.
The statement noted, “Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, we, the entire Christendom in the State, wish to draw your attention to what could easily create division amongst the people you govern”.
It added. “As a matter of urgency, we call on the Speaker and other members of the State House of Assembly to drop the Bill unless their aim is to incite and/or anger a major group of people.”
The CAN Chair, also the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, asked, “Why Hisbah law in Niger State? What is the aim? Of what benefit is it to our people economically and socially? Do they (lawmakers) realise that Christians will not be subjected to Hisbah law?”
It should be recalled that the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Hon. Isah Muhammad Etsugaie, after presenting the report of the House Committees on Religious Affairs and Judiciary and Legal Matters at the plenary of the House in Minna, had claimed that they conducted a public hearing involving critical stakeholders, including CAN.
The CAN Chairman reiterated that the Association was never considered a major stakeholder in the state, saying, “One would wonder whether the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State, was considered or part of it. For the record, we (CAN), as a Body, were neither invited nor notified of such a public hearing meant for critical stakeholders, which further indicates the segregation of Christians in sensitive matters in the state”.
Bishop Yohanna further declared that “Niger State is not predominantly a Muslim State and we should look beyond religious divides and focus on our unity rather than what can easily divide us as a people”.
“I want to call on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for the interest of peace and unity, not to sign and pass the Bill into law”.
While urging the Members of the State House of Assembly to think of better ways to serve the people and not to sit and move for controversial laws that will cause unrest in the State, Bishop Yohanna said, “By now, we should be thinking of what can strengthen our relationship, not use religion as a tool.”
“What is the benefit of the Hisbah Bill to the people? Since the advent of Shari’a, our dear State has suffered economically, with businesses packed up, investors and various businessmen and businesswomen relocating to other States where they are thriving, and those states have developed economically.”
He emphasised that Niger State is a religiously mixed state, adding that “such a law can only further buttress the fact that there is truly marginalisation of Christians, and the Bill can only be perceived as a tool for persecution of our people”.
In addition, the statement advised that there are the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Vigilante Groups, and other recognised groups with constitutional powers to operate.
He then warned that the Hisbah law will affect non-Muslims, especially as the state has a significant Christian population. “And we cannot be forced to abide by Islamic laws,” he added.
The statement also disclosed that, if signed into law, the Hisbah law will infringe on the constitutional rights of non-Muslims.
It further stated that “the law will pave the way for persecution and loss of freedom. The Hisbah law will definitely be a tool for systemic persecution, the harassment of Christians and the suppression of religious freedom.
“The assenting and enforcement of Hisbah will be a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, not Sharia.”
Bishop Yohanna enjoined well-meaning Nigerians, irrespective of their religion, tribe or political affiliation, to add their voices so that the Bill, which he describes as “controversial”, does not become a law that creates friction in the daily lives of non-Muslims in the state.
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