By: Adelowo Oladipo Minna
The Niger Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) hae said that it has acknowledged and commended the efforts of the r State Government under the leadership of Governor Muhammad Bago, and the State House of Assembly, in promoting security, moral discipline, and social order across the state.
The group in a Press Statement Issued by it’s Spokesperson Joshua Ndace and made available to Journalists in Minna however stated that, “we respectfully submit that the proposed Hisbah Commission raises significant constitutional, social, and political concerns in a pluralistic and multi-religious state such as Niger.
The Forum thereby aligned with the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, on the rejection of the proposed establishment of the Hisbah Commission in Niger State.
It highlighted that Nigeria is a secular and multi-religious federation, adding that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides clear guidance on matters of religion and governance, noting that Section 10 of the Constitution states that “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”
The group, stated further that the establishment of a state-sponsored religious enforcement body may be perceived as institutional preference for a particular religion in state governance,stressing that
Section 38(1) guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for all Nigerians,saying that any framework that enforces religious norms through state structures could inadvertently restrict this freedom for citizens of other faiths.
NYCF pointed out that Section 42(1) prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, ensuring equal treatment of all citizens before the law, emphasizing that in a state with significant Christians, Muslims, and traditional religious populations, equal treatment is essential for social stability and justice.
According to the Forum, “Sections 214 and 215 establish the Nigeria Police Force as the constitutionally recognized law enforcement agency, with the responsibility of maintaining law and order across the federation.
The group further alluded to Niger State’s Tradition of Peaceful Coexistence, saying that the state has long been known for peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, and harmonious interfaith relations, supported by strong traditional institutions and respected religious leaders, adding that this diversity remains a strength and a foundation for stability, development, and unity.
“We are concerned that the introduction of a religious enforcement body in such a diverse state could unintentionally deepen religious sensitivities, create misperceptions, and strain the long-standing harmony among the people of Niger State,” It stated.
“At a time when unity and social cohesion are critical, policies that may be perceived as divisive should be approached with caution and broad stakeholder consultation”, said NYCF.
It thereby respectful appealed to the State Governor, Muhammad Bago, in conjunction with the Niger State House of Assembly to reconsider the proposed Hisbah framework and to engage in extensive consultations with all religious and community stakeholders,
It also appealed to the State Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as religious leaders, and civil society organizations to continue promoting dialogue, tolerance, and mutual respect.
It urged the youths across all faiths and communities to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to unity and development trusting that we have a listening and responsive administration.
“We firmly believe that moral reform, social order, and community discipline can be achieved through inclusive, constitutionally compliant, and culturally sensitive mechanisms that respect the rights and beliefs of all citizens”, the forum maintained .
It however assured that the Niger Christian Youth Forum remains committed to peace, unity, constitutional democracy, and the socio-economic development of Niger State and it’s people.
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