Christians reaffirm rejection of religious censorship bill

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March 17, 2016 11:37 AM

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says that they are not ready to change their earlier stand on the governor's religious censorship bill.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said that it earlier rejection of an executive bill sent to Kaduna State House of Assembly seeking to regulate preaching and license clerics still stands.

According to the Kaduna State Chapter of CAN, a meeting held with government officials on Wednesday, 16 March, 2016 in Kaduna has nothing to with their earlier stand.

Pulse gathered that the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Barnabas Bala Bantex met with the leaders of Kaduna State CAN, led by the chairman George Dodo, Catholic Bishop of Zaria.

According to the government in a post, the Deputy Governor said the Religious Preaching Law is proposed to curb extremism and protect safe practice of faith.The government further said it was the first time the preaching bill is being subjected to democratic scrutiny since it was enacted in 1984.

“The 1984 and 1987 versions of the edict were enacted following outbreaks of religious violence which Kaduna wishes to confine to the past. Bishop Dodo said CAN welcome the consultations, and would be making a comprehensive submission to the House of Assembly and the Executive” the government said in the post.

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna was quoted as saying that the consultations continue and that the legislative process of public hearings also offers a platform for all views.

Speaking to Pulse, the secretary, Kaduna State CAN, Dr Sunday Ibrahim said contrary to insinuation about their meeting with government officials, they have not shifted from their earlier stand.

“CAN have not changed their stand on this bill, we reject the bill because it infringes on the fundamental human right of the people. CAN has different blocs, how can you license preachers? This is contrary to our scriptures. Just like our Chairman said during the meeting with the Deputy Governor and the SSG, CAN will be making a comprehensive submission to the executive and the legislative arms but the position now is that we don’t want that bill passed” Sunday Ibrahim said.

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