CAN,Christian Association of Nigeria
Niger CAN rejects proposed Hisbah Law, says it undermines peace, marginalise non-Muslims
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has issued a strong warning against the proposed Hisbah law being considered by the Niger State House of Assembly, arguing that the legislation will create divisions rather than foster peace and unity between Muslims and adherents of other faiths in the state.
In a statement released to journalists on Sunday, Niger State CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the Niger State Hisbah Directorates Bill—sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, member representing Chanchaga Constituency—as a controversial piece of legislation that should not receive executive assent for the overall good of the state’s citizenry.
Bishop Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, called on well-meaning Nigerlites across religious, tribal and political lines to add their voices in condemnation of what he termed a “controversial” Bill that would create fractures in the daily lives of non-Muslims.
“Niger state is a miniature Nigeria with diverse religious beliefs. 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,” he said.
The CAN chairman issued a direct appeal to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago: “This is a clarion call on you. We, the entire Christendom in Niger state, wish to draw your attention to what could easily create divisions amongst the people you govern.”
He further urged the Speaker and all members of the House of Assembly to abandon the Bill “except their aim is to deliberately incite and or anger a major group of people.”
Bishop Yohanna posed several pointed questions: “Why Hisbah law in Niger state? What is the aim? Of what benefits is it to our people economically and socially? Do they (lawmakers) realize that Christians will not be subjected to Hisbah law?”
The chairman of the joint committee, Hon. Isah Muhammad Etsugaie, had previously claimed at plenary in Minna that a public hearing was conducted involving critical stakeholders, including CAN.
However, Bishop Yohanna categorically denied any such consultation.
“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,” he stated.
The CAN chairman reminded proponents that “Niger state is not predominantly a Muslim state,” urging them to look beyond religious divides and focus on issues promoting unity rather than division.
Bishop Yohanna raised significant concerns about the Bill’s potential economic impact, noting that since the advent of Shari’a, the state has suffered economically with businesses closing and investors relocating to other states with more favourable conditions.
He emphasized that Niger state’s heterogeneous nature means such a law would “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 also questioned the operational implications, arguing that Hisbah’s activities could undermine constitutionally recognised security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and vigilante groups.
Bishop Yohanna insisted that non-Muslims cannot be forced to abide by Islamic laws, stressing that the Hisbah law would infringe on the constitutional rights of non-Muslims if signed into law.
“Assenting and enforcement of Hisbah will be a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, and not Sharia,” he declared.
The CAN chairman warned that the law would “pave way for persecution and loss of freedom” and become “a tool for systemic persecutions, harassment of Christians and as well suppressing of religious freedom.”
Making a final appeal to Governor Bago, Bishop Yohanna urged him “for the interest of peace and unity not to sign and pass the Bill into law,” while calling on Assembly members to focus on legislation that would strengthen inter-religious relationships rather than ignite religious conflict.
“By now, we should be thinking of what Bills or laws that can strengthen our relationship as a people instead of igniting religious fire that will spare no one, including those behind it,” he said.
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