The Kaduna state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai who was represented by the deputy Governor, Mr Barnabas Bala,held a meeting with members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, to discuss about the religious censorship bill and ask for their support.
This coming barely few days after the President of Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) Apostle Johnson Suleiman cursed Governor Nasir El-Rufai, because of the controversial bill.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said the government will go ahead with the bill.
He said “This is not a new law, it has existed since 1984, with amendments in 1987 and 1996.
“The bill, by virtue of Section 45(1) of the 1999 Constitution, is in order and does not offend the provisions of the constitution. The provisions of the bill are in tandem with the Constitution.”
“There is nothing in the bill that suggests any effort to abolish, stop or derogate on the freedom of religion and religious beliefs.
“It merely seeks to ensure that religious preaching and activities in the state are conducted in ways that do not threaten public order, public safety, and to protect the rights and freedom of other persons,” Aruwan said.
The Kaduna state CAN Chairman, Bishop George Dodo, on his part said “I don’t think any governor has the power to enact law that will supersede what is in the constitution.
“The constitution guarantees every person the right to practice his/her religion, I don’t think there is any governor that can enact a law in that regard.
“Governors ask for prayers in all places of worship, so how would they enact a law that will ban the practice of religion.”
The Guardian reports that Islamic scholars in the state have also rejected the bill.
Senator Shehu Sani also called on the people of the state to reject the bill, saying such can only build dictatorship.
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