* Describes It As Attempt To Destabilize Peace And Cripple The Economy of Niger State
By Princess Simon Bureau Chief North Central in Minna)
The Boys Brigade (BB) Nigeria, Niger state chapter has described the action of some law makers championing the Hisbah Bill as attempting to destabilize the peace of the state and further cripple its economy.
The BB, Niger state in a communique expressed their support to the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) which did not only condemn the bill but drew the attention of Governor Mohammed Umaru Mohammed Bago on the dangers of considering the bill for assent.
The 12 points communique issued after an emergency meeting of the BB's state executive council which took place in Minna, the state capital on Tuesday said it is unfortunate that there are pressing needs bedeviling the state, but some legislators instead chose to focus on what will bring enemty between moslems and adherents of other religion in the state.
"It is unfortunate that while Niger state is yet to recover from the Shari'a law of 2001 which not only stagnated development due to mass exodus of people, mostly investors and corporate business organizations after the implementations, some law makers are today planning to add more destruction to the state economy".
The communique signed by State Organizing Secretary, Mr. Samson Japhet Pada said the BB wholeheartedly support, the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in calling for the thrashing of the bill, and also wants the Governor not to sign the controversial bill into law.
While expressing dismay over the Hisbah bill, the BB in Niger state argued that "What Niger state needed at this critical moment in the face of both security and economic challenges is a law or legislation that will address the security situation that have reduced some citizens to becoming refugees in order to enhance socio-economic growth and well being of the people".
Describing sponsors of the bill nothing but agents of destabilization, the communique advised Christians to be vigilant and ensure they ignore such people whenever they come to canvass for votes in the coming elections.
The BB however cautioned Governor Bago of inherent danger if the Hisbah bill is signed into law as it will further worsen the fragile economy of the state just like the Shari'a law of 2001 which the state is yet to recover from due to mass exodus of people and their investments to a more business friendly environment in the aftermath of its implementations.
"Niger state is yet to recover from the social and economic setbacks after the introduction of the shari'a law. We cannot afford another experience of the shari'a law that has the potency of dragging the state to years backward".
"Niger state have enjoyed peace over the tears, and I can tell you that Hisbah bill is a direct threat to the continued enjoyment of peaceful coexistence amongst the diverse ethnic nationalities in Niger state known for diverse ethnic and religious practices".
Instead of clamoring for Hisbah, the BB suggested that rather than Hisbah bill, sponsors of the bill should come up with a bill to address issues such as street begging (Almajiri) phenomenon which has continued to constitute nuisance to the entire northern Nigeria.
"We strongly believed that the growing poverty, and the number of out-of-school children in the state, and in Chanchaga local government in particular should be of more concern to those behind the bill and as well the entire legislature instead of unpopular Hisbah bill.
"Let the legislature come up with a bill to address these menace, Nigerlites are suffering because most basic social needs are not readily available or that it is beyond the reach of the ordinary citizens in state".
"We saw what is happening in some states where the bill is being implemented, they're yet to recover from the confusion. The bill did not bring about any development to the states so why would anybody want such for Niger?
"Implementations of the bill has been marred with one form of crisis and confusion in states that have so far embraced Hisbah law. It has always been a thing of concerns of the people", the communique further pointed out.
"While BB strongly support the need for moral discipline in the society, religious institutions should be saddled with the responsibility of inculcating the right morals on its followers instead of courting controversy that is associated with Hisbah".
It also expressed concerns that the Hisbah board as contained in Clause 4 in the bill, is a way of creating jobs opportunities for Muslim faithful alone in the state at the detriment of Christians and other religions who are equal stakeholders in the state, 'as all the board members shall consist of only Muslims (Clause 6(1), A and B'.
The communique further feared that the duties and functions of the Hisbah board shall infringe on the rights of non-muslims, especially Christians as contained in Clause 9 (1) (h, j, n and o) "because this will be in direct conflict with section 38(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, which guarantees freedom of thoughts, conscience and religion for every Nigerian".
While calling on Christians to pray against the bill and all those behind it, the BB encouraged citizens, Christian community in particular to beware of agents of destabilization of the peace and unity hiding under religion to cause chaos.
The Boys Brigade also called on all Christians, especially members in the state to get their voter's card ready and vote out any individual whose actions are capable of using religion to destabilize families and communities in the state.
The communique which called for attitudinal change encouraged Christians to actively participate in the 2027 elections. "We equally urged Christians in the state come out of their shell and take active part in politics as that is the only way their voices can be hard". NNL.
The Boys Brigade (BB) Nigeria, Niger state chapter has described the action of some law makers championing the Hisbah Bill as attempting to destabilize the peace of the state and further cripple its economy. The BB, Niger state in a communique expressed their support to the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) which did not only condemn the bill but drew the attention of Governor Mohammed Umaru Mohammed Bago on the dangers of considering the bill for assent. The 12 points communique issued after an emergency meeting of the BB's state executive council which took place in Minna, the state capital on Tuesday said it is unfortunate that there are pressing needs bedeviling the state, but some legislators instead chose to focus on what will bring enemty between moslems and adherents of other religion in the state. "It is unfortunate that while Niger state is yet to recover from the Shari'a law of 2001 which not only stagnated development due to mass exodus of.
