The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, has called on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to decline assent to the proposed Hisbah Directorates Bill, warning that the legislation could deepen religious divisions and infringe on the rights of non-Muslims in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the association described the bill as “controversial” and alleged that it would discriminate against Christians if enacted.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, representing Chanchaga Constituency in the Niger State House of Assembly, seeks to establish a Hisbah Directorate in the state. However, CAN argued that the proposed law would create disunity among residents and urged the executive arm of government not to sign it into law.
Addressing Governor Bago, the statement read in part: “We, the entire Christendom in the state, wish to draw your attention to what could easily create division among the people you govern.”
CAN also called on the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly to drop the bill, cautioning that its passage could incite tension among a significant segment of the population.
Bishop Yohanna, who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, questioned the rationale behind the proposed law, asking what economic and social benefits it would bring to the people of Niger State. He further queried whether lawmakers had considered that Christians would not be subject to the Hisbah law.
The association refuted claims by the Chairman of the House Joint Committee on Religious Affairs and Judiciary and Legal Matters, Hon. Isah Muhammad Etsugaie, that critical stakeholders, including CAN, were consulted during a public hearing on the bill. CAN maintained that it was neither invited nor notified of any such hearing, describing the omission as further evidence of marginalisation.
Yohanna stressed that Niger State is religiously diverse and not exclusively Muslim, urging leaders to prioritise unity over policies that could foster division. He appealed to the governor, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” to act in the interest of peace by withholding assent.
The CAN chairman also expressed concern that the bill could negatively affect the state’s economic climate, alleging that past religious policies had contributed to business relocations and reduced investment.
He argued that existing security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, alongside vigilante groups, already possess constitutional mandates to maintain law and order.
According to CAN, signing the Hisbah bill into law would infringe on the constitutional rights of non-Muslims and could pave the way for religious persecution and suppression of fundamental freedoms.
“The Nigerian Constitution remains the supreme law of the land, not Sharia,” the statement added.
The association called on residents of the state, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation, to oppose the bill, insisting that its enactment would only generate friction in the daily lives of non-Muslims in Niger State.
