El-rufai. Aide begs Kaduna people to accept religious censorship bill

Governor Elrufai's Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, has called on Kaduna people to accept the proposed bill sent to the House of Assembly, seeking to censor religious activities in the state.

Speaking on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Assa Pyramid Hotelin Kaduna during a round table meeting organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, Carefronting Nigeria, Aruwan, said that the bill is with the intention of curbing religious extremism.

"Kaduna State Governor means well for the people and wants to secure the lives and property of the residents of the state. There are emerging threats and we need to take drastic action now. We should all support this bill," Aruwan said during the meeting.

Aruwan said the government appreciates the reservations and contributions of religious leaders and other critical stakeholders who have made their genuine positions known on the issue, added that some people have started politicizing the good intention of government to restore peace in Kaduna.

Elrufai's aide said if the bill is passed, it would enable theChristian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), and Jama'atu Nasir Islam, JNI to tackle strange ideological beliefs that are not in tandem with both faiths.

According to Aruwan, just before the present government came on board there were killings in Southern Kaduna and Birnin Gwari axis of the state adding that everything is now under firm control.

Carefronting Nigeria, Coordinator Peter Maji, said they decided to call for a stakeholders meeting because of the issues the bill has generated.

Maji said the round table forum tagged ‘Kaduna State Religious preaching regulations Bill: intention and perception’ was aimed at getting the views of the critical stakeholders and finding the way forward for peace and development of the state.

Director General, Interfaith Mediation, Namadi Musa, said they have gone round the three Senatorial Zones in the state to sensitize the people.

He said the state House of Assembly should organise a public hearing so that people can make inputs.