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From John Adams Minna
As reactions continue to trail the passage of the controversial Hisbah bill by the Niger State House of Assembly, the Niger Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) has joined the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to condemn the passage of the bill.
The Christian Youths faulted the proposed establishment of a Hisbah Commission as contained in the bill, warning that the move would not only tamper with the peace hitherto enjoyed by the adherence of different faiths, it could also pose both constitutional and social challenges in the state.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Joshua Ndace, in Minna, yesterday the Forum recognised the government’s commitment to promoting peace, moral discipline and social order in the state, insisting that the proposed religious enforcement raises “serious constitutional, political and social concerns” in a multi-religious state like Niger.
“We acknowledge and commend the efforts of the Niger State Government under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, in promoting security and moral values,” the statement read.
“However, the proposed Hisbah Commission raises significant constitutional, social and political concerns in a pluralistic and multi-religious state such as Niger.”
The Christian Youths made it clear that it aligned itself with the position of the CAN, Niger State chapter, in rejecting the bill.
They cited Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), that governments at both federal and state levels are prohibited from adopting any religion as a state religion, especially in a secular state like Niger State.
“The establishment of a state-sponsored religious enforcement body may be perceived as institutional preference for a particular religion in state governance,” Ndace said.
The Forum also referenced Section 38(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, warning that any framework that enforces religious norms through state structures “could inadvertently restrict this freedom for citizens of other faiths.”
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It argued further that Section 42(1), prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, stressing that “equal treatment of all citizens is essential for social stability and justice.”
According to the statement, Sections 214 and 215 of the Constitution clearly established the Nigeria Police Force as the recognised law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order across the federation.
Expressing concern over the possible social implications of the proposed commission, the NCYF said Niger State has a long history of peaceful coexistence among adherents of different faiths.
“Niger State has a long history of peaceful coexistence, religious freedom and tolerance, religious harmony and interfaith relations,” the Forum added.
It maintained that, “At a time when unity and social cohesion are critical, policies that may be perceived as divisive should be approached with caution and broad stakeholder consultation.”
The group then called on Governor Bago and the Niger State House of Assembly to reconsider the proposed Hisbah framework and engage in extensive consultations with all religious and community stakeholders.
It also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations to promote dialogue and mutual respect, while advising youths across the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“We firmly believe that moral reform, social order and community discipline can be achieved through inclusive, constitutionally compliant and culturally sensitive mechanisms that respect the rights and beliefs of all citizens,” the statement further added.
The Forum then reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, constitutional democracy and the socio-economic development of Niger State.
