adminreporter
Dear Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, we, the entire Christendom wish to draw your attention to what could easily create division amongst the people you govern.
Why Hisbah law in Niger? What is the aim? Of what benefit is it to our people economically and socially? Do they (lawmakers) realize that Christians will not be subjected to Hisbah law?
As a matter of urgency, we call on the Speaker and other members of the State House of Assembly to drop the Bill except their aim is to incite and or anger a major group of people.
Your Excellency Sir, the Niger State Hisbah Directorates Bill sponsored by the member representing Chanchaga Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar is a controversial Bill that should not be assented to by the Executive arm of Government.
It is so unfortunate that, 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 claimed they conducted a public hearing involving critical stakeholders.
One would wonder whether the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State, was considered or part of it. For the records, we, (CAN) as a Body were neither invited nor notified of such public hearing meant for critical stakeholders which obviously further indicates the segregation of Christians in sensitive matters in the state.
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 our dear Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for the interest of peace and unity not to sign and pass the Bill into law.
And for the Members of the State House of Assembly, I urge you to think of better things to do for our people and not to sit and move for controversial laws that will cause unrest in the State.
By now, we should be thinking of what can strengthen our relationship and not to use religion as a tool.
Mr. Governor Sir, remember that during the elections, Christians were there and voted for you, they did not vote for you and then to be meted by a controversial law that cause disaffection amongst the people.
What is the benefit of the Hisbah Bill to the people; and since the advent of Shari’a, our dear State has suffered economically with businesses packed up, investors and various businessmen and businesswomen relocated to other States where they are thriving and those States have developed economically.
Niger state is religiously a mixed State, and such law can only further buttress facts that there is truly marginalisation of Christians and the Bill can only be perceived as a tool for persecution of our people.
Dear Farmer Governor Bago, we understand that Hisbah in Nigeria refers to state-backed religious Police, primarily in Northern Nigeria, tasked with enforcing Sharia law and monitor compliance with Islamic norms.
We have the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Vigilante Groups and other recognized groups with constitutional powers to operate. Let us be sensitive and think of what can add value to our state and the people.
With the introduction of Christian Religious Knowledge and Islamic Religious Knowledge into our schools morals and discipline can be well achieved.
Worthy of note Sir, the Hisbah law will affect non Muslims especially as the State has a significant Christian population; and we can not be forced to abide by Islamic laws.
The law will infringe on the constitutional rights of non Muslims; It will have way for persecution and loss of freedom. The Hisbah law will definitely be a tool for systemic persecution; the harassment of Christians and suppressing 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.
Finally, I call on well meaning Nigerlites irrespective of your religion, tribe or political affiliation to add their voices so that this controversial Bill does not become a law which we know can only create friction in the daily lives of non Muslims in the State.
God bless Nigerlites
God bless Niger State
God bless Nigeria
Signed:
Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Niger State Chapter and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese
