NCYF kicks against Niger Hisbah bill

The Niger Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) has opposed the proposed 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 issued on Tuesday 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 currently before the Niger State House of Assembly.  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.

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.