Christian and Muslim Leaders in Niger State Oppose Bill To Regulate Religious Preaching
Religious leaders in Niger State yesterday vehemently opposed a bill sponsored by the executive arm of government to regulate religious preaching and establishment of places of worship for different faith.
The leaders who matched to the state House of Assembly for the public hearing of the bill, said the law was against the constitution which gives the people the right to expression, freedom of association and religion and also not in line with the Christian and Islamic faith.
According to Rev. Echioda Mathias who spoke for Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), he said the bill was not a child of necessity, adding that it was a ploy to contravene constitution of the country by curtailing the freedom of worship of Christians in the state.
Leaders of the Islamic faith led by Mohammed Usman of Ahalil Sunnah Jama’at, objected to the bill in its entirety on the grounds that it contravenes the Sharia law and the 1999 Constitution.
He said every Muslim had been permitted to be a preacher and to participate in preaching stressing that no law can deny a Muslim the right to preach.
According to him, "The bill is in violation to the details of the Holy Koran. The bill is also in contradiction to the provision of the 1999 Constitution. It goes against our fundamental human rights. Our religion should not be held to ransom due to insurgency and terrorism. We object entirely to the bill and pray that Allah guide the action, as we also pray for peace and stability in the country."
Responding, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Adamu Usman, urged the people not to let emotions override the seriousness of the issue at hand adding that the notion that the committee had a predetermined conclusion should be cast aside.
According to him, the bill is not out to witch-hunt any religion as it is open not to shut anybody up.
Source: ThisDay
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| Niger State House of Assembly During a Public Hearing |
According to Rev. Echioda Mathias who spoke for Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), he said the bill was not a child of necessity, adding that it was a ploy to contravene constitution of the country by curtailing the freedom of worship of Christians in the state.
Leaders of the Islamic faith led by Mohammed Usman of Ahalil Sunnah Jama’at, objected to the bill in its entirety on the grounds that it contravenes the Sharia law and the 1999 Constitution.
He said every Muslim had been permitted to be a preacher and to participate in preaching stressing that no law can deny a Muslim the right to preach.
According to him, "The bill is in violation to the details of the Holy Koran. The bill is also in contradiction to the provision of the 1999 Constitution. It goes against our fundamental human rights. Our religion should not be held to ransom due to insurgency and terrorism. We object entirely to the bill and pray that Allah guide the action, as we also pray for peace and stability in the country."
Responding, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Adamu Usman, urged the people not to let emotions override the seriousness of the issue at hand adding that the notion that the committee had a predetermined conclusion should be cast aside.
According to him, the bill is not out to witch-hunt any religion as it is open not to shut anybody up.
Source: ThisDay
Christian and Muslim Leaders in Niger State Oppose Bill To Regulate Religious Preaching
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