Amidst growing outrage over plans to regulate religious preaching, Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State on Wednesday met with officials of the state branch of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to seek their support.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Barnabas Bala, met with the CAN officials for about 40 minutes behind closed doors at the Government House, Kaduna.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the state CAN Chairman, Bishop George Dodo, confirmed that the meeting was on the controversial bill, but said the association would not make any comment for now.
“When we are through with the study, memo will be sent to the state Assembly; on the day of public hearing we will explain more, but now it would be premature to say the position of CAN,” he said.
On concerns raised by the public that the government is trying to muzzle religious freedom, the CAN chairman said: “I don’t think any governor has the power to enact law that will supersede what is in the constitution.
“The constitution guarantees every person the right to practice his/her religion, I don’t think there is any governor that can enact a law in that regard.
“Governors ask for prayers in all places of worship, so how would they enact a law that will ban the practice of religion.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that already several Islamic groups, including the state Council of Imams and Ulamas, had rejected the controversial bill.
In spite of the protests, the state government insists that the Religious Preaching Bill is to “protect the state from religious extremism and hate speech”.
The governor’s spokesman, Mr Samuel Aruwan, in a statement after the closed door meeting with CAN officials, said the government is going ahead with the bill.
“This is not a new law, it has existed since 1984, with amendments in 1987 and 1996.”
According to him, the bill has not in any way affected people’s right to religious freedom.
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Mr EL Rufai,Why would you want to restrict a religion that you do not practice. the way a muslem worships is different from the way a christian worships. if one wants to interfere in the religion of another you should first practice it.Become a christian and then you will know how christians pray. Why do you want to draw in conflicts when the priority of Nigerians is having good road,schools,hospitals and the youths empowerment.If you were occupied providing these for your state, religion will be the least of your worries. Do not distract the people of your state or Nigerians with religion. Give them what they need rather than bringing disunity.
ReplyDeleteMumu you don't even know what you are saying.
DeleteThis law will be a welcome development. Your right to practice your religion stops where another man's right to peaceful rest and sleep starts. It is not about christianity or Islam.
ReplyDeleteIt is about christian and muslem, call a spade a spade. Will the speakers from the mosque be turned off on Fridays prayers. i hear the prayers from the speakers and I don't give a hoot, because all prayers are welcomed for Nigeria. so why do the prayers from churches a big deal. Is that what Nigeria problem is. President Buhari is trying to fight corruption, he is trying to fight prayers. Why do you play your secular music out loud in your cars, houses and parties and you are disturbed by prayers.
ReplyDeletePresident Buhari is fighting corruption, While Governor El Rufai is fighting Prayers.
ReplyDeleteEl-Rufai's agenda is gradually being unfolded. But if those who tried before him failed, he will fail too.
ReplyDeleteSome people comments on issues they knew nothing about. The governor is trying to protect the state from religious extremism the state is known for. My xtains brothers are taking it otherwise because El Rufai is a Muslim whereas the law will affect the Muslims more than the Christians. I believe it is about Elzakyzaky people who are Muslims that are targeted by this law and not Christians. The law does not prohibit anybody from going to churches or mosques neither does it stop anybody from practising his/her religion.
ReplyDelete