Hisbah Bill: OAIC Urges Gov Bago Not to Distort Existing Coexistence

By Daniel Ebi, Minna

More reactions have continued to trail the controversial Hisbah Bill in Niger State as the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), a bloc within the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, has urged Governor Umaru Bago not to distort the existing peaceful coexistence between the two major religions in the state.

The group warned that assenting to the bill could threaten the long-standing harmony between Christians and Muslims.

In a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman of the bloc, Pastor Daniel Eberendu, and the Secretary, Special Apostle Sunday Ojimi, the OAIC declared its support for the position earlier taken by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), rejecting the controversial Hisbah Bill passed by the Niger State House of Assembly.

According to the statement, the bloc is appealing to the governor not to allow religious tensions to undermine the state’s peaceful religious atmosphere.

“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.

The OAIC further argued that the bill could negatively affect business activities and worsen the economic challenges currently facing the state.

“The bill will distort the long peaceful coexistence among the two prominent religions and it will no doubt affect freedom of business and worsen the economic backwardness presently experienced in the state,” the group stated.

The church bloc also reminded the governor of his previous visits to churches and Christian gatherings across the state, which they said were widely commended as signs 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 OAIC also questioned the timing of the bill, noting that it is coming at a period when relations between Christians and Muslims in the state are relatively cordial.

“We should avoid anything that will sow the seeds of discord among us,” the group appealed.