The Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), a bloc in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, has urged Governor Umaru Bago not to assent to the controversial Hisbah bill recently passed by the State House of Assembly.
The group warned that signing the bill into law could distort the peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the state.
In a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman of the bloc, Pastor Daniel Eberendu, and the Secretary, Special Apostle Sunday Ojimi, the OAIC said it aligns with the position of the state chapter of CAN in rejecting the proposed legislation.
The group appealed to the governor not to allow what it described as religious bigotry to undermine decades of peaceful coexistence among residents of the state.
“We join other well-meaning Nigerlites to appeal to the Farmer Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, not to allow the peaceful coexistence among Christians and Muslims for decades to be distorted by religious bigots,” the statement said.
According to the group, the proposed law could negatively affect freedom of business and further worsen the economic challenges currently facing the state.
The OAIC also reminded the governor of his previous visits to churches and Christian gatherings across the state, which were widely commended and seen as a demonstration of unity and inclusiveness.
“With your visits signifying togetherness and unity, please do not derail by signing the bill into law,” the statement added.
The organization also questioned the timing of the bill, noting that it was introduced at a period when relations between the two major religious groups in the state had remained cordial.
“We should avoid anything that will sow the seeds of discord among us,” the group stated.
