By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Joint Islamic Organisation (JIO) in Niger State has urged Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to disregard the recent ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Joint Islamic Organisation (JIO) in Niger State has urged Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to disregard the recent complaint by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and proceed to sign the Hisbah Activities Law in the state.
The JIO is composed of the Muslim Students Association (MSSN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Imams Forum of Niger State, Council of Muslim Societies (CMS), FOMWAN, JIBWIS Kaduna and Jos, Tijjaniya groups, Salafiya Group, Huffazul Qur’an, and other Islamic scholars.
Malam Mahmud Lawal Mursheed, speaking on behalf of the JIO, stated that when the state assembly held a public hearing on the Hisbah law, no representative from CAN attended or submitted any input.
He explained that the Hisbah law concerns Muslims and Islam specifically and does not apply to non-Muslims. “While we respect CAN for expressing its views, it should refrain from interfering in matters that pertain solely to Muslims. Their recent complaint appears aimed at creating division in Niger State, which we, as Islamic groups, will not accept,” Mursheed said.
Mursheed further highlighted the political representation in the state, noting that 24 out of 25 local government chairmen and 25 out of 27 state assembly members are Muslims. He added that during the last elections, Muslims did not prevent Christians from being appointed as commissioners, directors, special advisers, and other key positions.
He dismissed CAN’s claim that the Sharia system has hindered the state’s economy, stressing that all eight traditional rulers in Niger State are Muslims, yet Christians enjoy the freedom to live peacefully under Islamic teachings.
Mursheed acknowledged the state’s broader challenges, including security and youth unemployment, but said these issues should not be used to create religious tension. He cited previous incidents in Tegina town (Rafi Local Government), where children from Islamic schools were reportedly harmed, noting that CAN did not intervene in those cases, yet objected when similar situations arose in other areas.
He concluded by calling on Governor Bago to immediately sign the Hisbah Activities Law, emphasizing that the legislation is intended for Muslims and will directly impact the Muslim community.
“The leaders of the Joint Islamic Organisation are frustrated with CAN’s attempts to sow division among the people of this state. The Muslim community understands their motives, and such efforts will not succeed,” Mursheed said.
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