* Says It Will Foster Sectarian Disharmony, Disunity
By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger state chapter has cautioned against the proposed Hisbah law by the Niger State House of Assembly (NSHA), arguing that the law will only create gaps than fostering peace and unity between muslims and adherents of other religion in the state.
Niger state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, argued that 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 for the overall good of the state citizenry.
Bishop Yohanna called on well meaning Nigerlites irrespective of religion, tribe or political affiliations to add their voices in it's condemnation so that the Bill which he describes as “controversial” does not become a law that can only create fractions in the daily lives of non-Muslims.
Niger state as a miniature Nigeria with diverse religious beliefs, adding that, “The law will only create divisions amongst not only indigenes of Niger state but the diverse ethnic nationalities from states across Nigeria and non-Nigerians as well”.
"This is a clarion call on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, we, the entire Christendom in Niger state wish to draw your attention to what could easily create divisions amongst the people you govern".
“As a matter of urgency, we call on the Speaker and the entire members of the NSHA to drop the Bill except their aim is to deliberately incite and or anger a major group of people".
Yohanna is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese also asked: Why Hisbah law in Niger state? What is the aim? Of what benefits is it to our people economically and socially? Does they (lawmakers) realize that Christians will not be subjected to Hisbah law?”
Recall 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.
But the Chairman in clear terms denied ever being consulted and never considered a major stakeholder in the state by those behind the controversial Hisbah law.
The CAN chairman further pointed out, “One would wonder whether the CAN in Niger state, was considered or part of it. For the records, we Christians 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”.
Bishop Yohanna further reminded proponents of the Bill that, “Niger state is not predominantly a Muslim state, let us look beyond religious divides and focus on issues that promotes unity rather than what can easily divide us as a people".
“I want to call on our dear listening Farmer Governor Umaru Bago for the interest of peace and unity not to sign and pass the Bill into law”, while also calling on the Members of the State House of Assembly to think of better things to do for the people and not to sit and move for controversial laws that will cause unrest in the state.
Bishop Yohanna further reasoned that, “By now, we should be thinking of what Bills or laws that can strengthen our relationship as a people instead igniting religious fire that will spare no one, including those behind it".
There are more important things or more pressing needs of Nigerlites, and I'm sure Hisbah is not one of them. "What is the benefits of the Hisbah Bill to the generality of the people; and since the advent of Shari’a, our dear state has suffered economically with businesses packing up, investors and various businessmen and women relocated to other states with favourable conditions where they are thriving and the states growing economically.”
He emphasized that Niger state is mixed-up or better described as heterogeneous in nature, adding that, “Such a law can only further buttress the facts that there is truly marginalisation of Christians and the Bill can only be perceived as a tool for persecution of our people who are not Muslims”.
The statement which further raised concerns that the operations of Hisbah can undermine the activities of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Vigilante Groups and other recognized security related groups with constitutional powers to operate and maintain law and order.
He insists that, "Hisbah law will affect non-Muslims especially as Niger state has a significant Christian population; “and we can not be forced to abide by Islamic laws”.
Again, if signed into law, the Hisbah law will infringe on the constitutional rights of non Muslims.
Accordingly, it stated that “the law will pave way for persecution and loss of freedom. The Hisbah law will definitely be a tool for systemic persecutions, harassment of Christians and as well suppressing of religious freedom".
Nigerian constitution is superior to any other law in Nigeria, adding that, “The assenting and enforcement of Hisbah will be a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, and not Sharia.” NNL.
