NCYF urges Bago, Assembly to reconsider Niger Hisbah Bill
The Niger Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) has opposed the Hisbah Commission Bill in Niger State, calling on Governor Muhammad Bago and the State House of Assembly to suspend the initiative
The Niger Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) has opposed the Hisbah Commission Bill in Niger State, calling on Governor Muhammad Bago and the State House of Assembly to suspend the initiative over constitutional and social concerns.
In a statement yesterday and signed by its spokesperson, Joshua Ndace, the forum said the creation of a state-backed religious enforcement body could conflict with constitutional provisions on secular governance and freedom of religion.
The bill is before the state House of Assembly.
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It would be recalled that the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also kicked against the Bill.
The forum warned that adopting such a framework in a religiously diverse state may be interpreted as state endorsement of a particular faith.
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Citing Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution, the group noted that neither the federal nor state government shall adopt any religion as a state religion. It also referenced Sections 38 and 42, which guarantee freedom of conscience and prohibit discrimination on religious grounds.
According to NCYF, law enforcement responsibilities are constitutionally vested in the Nigeria Police Force, raising concerns about the legal basis for an additional religious enforcement structure.
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The forum aligned its position with that of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, which has also rejected the proposed commission.
While commending the administration for efforts to promote moral discipline and security, the group cautioned that policies perceived as divisive could undermine the state’s record of peaceful coexistence.
It urged the governor and lawmakers to engage in wider stakeholder consultations and pursue inclusive approaches that respect constitutional provisions and protect interfaith harmony.
