El-Rufai’s religious bill will tear Nigeria apart – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benue State has said that the proposed religious bill of the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is an attempt to tear the nation apart.
The state chairman of CAN, Rev. Akpen Leva, in a statement, condemned the proposed bill which is aimed at regulating religious activities.
Leva said ‘‘the proposed bill is not in agreement with the constitution of Nigeria, which provides for freedom of religion, freedom of expression as well as freedom of association’’.
He argued further that though the religious bill did not favour any religion, ‘‘it has more damaging and long term effect on the church’’.
The CAN chairman, therefore, urged the El-Rufai led government of Kaduna State not to substitute the existing preaching law of 1984 as amended in 1987, with the planned bill.
Leva also called on the federal government to set up a judicial commission of enquiry to look into the problems of communities affected by the crisis between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.
He said the commission of enquiry would bring a lasting solution to the crisis, which he lamented has continued unabated.