Deputy Governor of Kaduna state, Barnabas Bala, today met with the
leaders of Kaduna State CAN, led by the chairman George Dodo, Catholic
Bishop of Zaria to discuss the controversial Religious Regulation Bill
which the state governor Nasir El Rufai has sent to the state House of
Assembly for debate and passage.
According to the Deputy Governor, the Religious
Preaching Law is proposed to curb extremism & protect safe practice
of faith. He said this is 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.
“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.”he said
Leader of the CAN group, Bishop Dodo said CAN welcomeD the
consultations, and would be making a comprehensive submission to the
House of Assembly and the Executive. The Deputy Governor said the
consultations continue & that the legislative process of public
hearings also offer a platform for all views.
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