Christian Groups Strongly Oppose Proposed Hisbah Commission in Multi-Religious Niger State
The bill, known as the Niger State Hisbah Directorates Bill or similar variants like the Niger State Hisbah Board, was sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, the lawmaker representing the Chanchaga Constituency. Supporters have described it as a means to promote moral standards and address certain social issues within communities, with some assurances during public hearings that it would focus primarily on voluntary compliance and target specific behaviors without broad imposition.
However, Christian leaders see it differently. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, led by Chairman Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna who also serves as the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese has been among the most vocal critics. In statements released earlier this month, Bishop Yohanna described the legislation as "controversial" and warned that it could deepen divisions rather than foster unity. He emphasized that Niger State is not a single-religion entity but a multi-religious one, where imposing a faith-based enforcement mechanism could be perceived as discriminatory against Christians and other non-Muslims.
"Why introduce Hisbah in Niger State?" Bishop Yohanna asked pointedly in one communique. He argued that the bill might create unnecessary tension, marginalize certain groups, and even violate principles of secular governance enshrined in Nigeria's constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and equal treatment under the law. CAN urged Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago not to assent to the bill if it passes the assembly, calling on all citizens regardless of faith, ethnicity, or political leanings to speak out against what they view as a potential source of friction in daily life.
Joining the chorus of disapproval is the Niger Christian Youth Forum (NCYF). In a recent statement signed by spokesperson Joshua Ndace, the youth group aligned itself fully with CAN's position. They highlighted potential constitutional conflicts, particularly around secularism and religious freedom, and expressed worry that a state-backed religious body could disrupt the harmony long enjoyed by people of different faiths. The NCYF called on both the governor and lawmakers to reconsider or suspend the initiative, stressing that existing security and social frameworks should be strengthened instead of introducing new structures that might polarize communities.
More recently, the Niger State Concerned Christian Advocates, under Chairman Amb. Marshal Okoro, held an emergency stakeholders' meeting in Minna and issued a communiqué outright rejecting the bill. They described it as a threat to constitutional integrity and social harmony, resolving unanimously to oppose its passage in any form.
This brings a great concerns in a state like Niger which boasts a mix of Muslim and Christian populations alongside other faith groups. Critics fear that while Hisbah operates successfully in more uniformly Muslim areas like Kano or Zamfara, applying a similar model here could lead to misunderstandings, selective enforcement, or feelings of exclusion among non-adherents. Some have pointed out that activities like alcohol sales or certain social practices often involve diverse communities, potentially leading to uneven impacts.
As the bill advances through legislative stages including reports of a public hearing where stakeholders were consulted tensions continue to build. Proponents maintain it could address moral and societal challenges without infringing on rights, but the growing pushback from Christian bodies features the delicate balance required in governing a pluralistic society.
For now, calls for dialogue, constitutional adherence, and prioritizing unity over division remain at the forefront of the discussion. Governor Bago and the assembly face mounting pressure to weigh these concerns carefully before any final decisions are made.
No comments