The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago against signing the recently passed Hisbah bill into law, warning that it could deepen divisions in the state and undermine its secular character.

The warning comes barely two weeks after the bill was passed by the Niger State House of Assembly and is currently awaiting the governor’s assent.

In a strongly worded letter titled “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State Says No to Hisbah Law,” the association argued that the proposed law could sow discord among residents and strain peaceful coexistence in the state.

The letter, signed by CAN Chairman, Most Reverend Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, was made available to journalists in Minna on Sunday.

Questioning the rationale behind the bill, CAN asked why a Hisbah law was being introduced in a religiously diverse and peaceful state, and what tangible economic or social benefits it would bring to the people. The association stressed that Christians would not be subject to Hisbah regulations, a situation it said could fuel resentment and exclusion.

CAN also faulted the state legislature for passing what it described as a controversial bill without adequately considering its consequences, urging the Speaker and lawmakers to withdraw it unless their intention was to provoke unrest.

Reacting to claims that the bill underwent a public hearing, the association dismissed the assertion by Hon. Isah Muhammad Etsugaie, chairman of the joint House Committees on Religious Affairs, Judiciary and Legal Matters, that critical stakeholders were consulted.

According to CAN, it was neither invited nor informed of any such public hearing, describing the claim as misleading and further evidence of marginalisation of Christians in sensitive state matters.

The association also called on the governor not to assent to the Niger State Hisbah Directorates Bill sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, describing it as divisive and capable of heightening religious tension.

CAN reminded the governor that Niger is a religiously mixed state and urged leaders to prioritise unity and development over policies that could inflame sectarian divisions.

The association further argued that insecurity, economic hardship and declining investment should be the government’s focus, noting that the introduction of Sharia-related laws in the state since 2001 had coincided with economic decline and the relocation of businesses to other states.

While acknowledging that Hisbah refers to state-backed religious enforcement bodies in parts of northern Nigeria, CAN maintained that existing security agencies, including the police and civil defence corps, were sufficient to maintain law and order.

CAN concluded by calling on well-meaning residents of Niger State, irrespective of religion or political affiliation, to speak out against the bill to prevent it from becoming law and disrupting peaceful coexistence in the state.