The bill seeking to create an ageny to enforce Islamic morals in Niger State has come under the attack of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
The proposed law tagged Hisbah Directorates bill is being considered for passage by the State House of Assembly.
Reacting to the proposal, the state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, in a letter to Governor Mohammed Bago urged Bago not to assent to it if passed by the House.
Yohanna in the letter argued that if the bill sailed through it had the potential to cause division in the state, adding that having a Hisbah Directorates had neither economic nor social benefits.
“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) realise 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,” the letter read in part.
The CAN chairman berated the public hearing process on the bill, saying, “One would wonder whether the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State, was considered 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.”
