Hisbah Bill: OAIC urges Gov. Bago not to undermine existing coexistence
By Our Correspondent
More reactions have emerged concerning the controversial Hisbah bill in Niger State. The Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), a group within the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, has called on Governor Umaru Bago not to weaken the peaceful coexistence between the two main religions in the state.
Highlighting the risks of passing the bill, the OAIC, in a joint statement signed by the State Chairman, Pastor Daniel Eberendu, and the Secretary, Special Apostle Sunday Ojimi, declared support for the State CAN’s opposition to the bill approved by the State House of Assembly.
They stated, “We join other well-meaning Nigerlites to appeal to the Farmer Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, not to allow religious bigotry to harm the peaceful harmony cultivated over decades between Christians and Muslims.”
“The Bill will disrupt the longstanding peaceful relationship between the two major religions and will likely impact business freedom and worsen the economic challenges in the state.”
Reminding the Governor of his widely praised visits to various churches and Christian groups, they said, “With your visits, you demonstrate unity and togetherness; please, do not derail that by signing the bill into law.”
The statement also questioned why such a bill was being proposed when relations between the two religious groups were strong.
“We should avoid anything that could sow discord among us,” they urged.
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