CAN meets Kaduna Govt over plan to regulate religious preaching

The government of Kaduna State on Wednesday met with the state branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN behind closed doors at the Government House

The meeting was to seek the support of CAN for the government-sponsored bill that seeks to regulate religious preaching in the state.

The government was represented at the meeting which lasted for about 40 minutes by the Deputy Governor, Mr Barnabas Bala

Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Bishop George Dodo, who briefed the press after the meeting confirmed that it was on the controversial bill, but declined further comments.

“When we are through with the study, memo will be sent to the state Assembly. On the day of public hearing we will explain more, but now it would be premature to say the position of CAN,” he said.

He however doused the fear that the state government was trying to muzzle religious freedom.

“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,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that the state government is bent on going ahead with the Religious Preaching Bill which has already been rejected by the Council of Imams and Ulamas in order to
“protect the state from religious extremism and hate speech."

The state government expressed its position in a statement issued by Gov Nasir El-Rufai's Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Samuel Aruwan at the end of the meeting.

“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,” the statement said.

NAN