KDSG threatens promoters of religious blasphemy with prosecution
By; ABDULL-AZEEZ AHMED KADIR, Kaduna
Kaduna State Government has threatened to prosecute anyone discovered to be promoting, sympathetic to or fabricating religious blasphemy in accordance with the Penal Code Law as such person would be seen as inciting violence and anomie in the state.
Rising from its 21st State Security Council Meeting under the administration of Governor Nasiru Ahmed El-rufai, it said it found disturbing a recent altercation between two individuals in a government hospital that degenerated into religious and blasphemous argument.
In a statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to Governor El-rufai, it said “the Council was further briefed that the allegation of blasphemy was deliberately advanced by one of the persons involved in the argument to incite violence.
“Anyone found fabricating allegations of Religious blasphemy, whether as a basis for seeking sympathy or for any other reason, will be treated as someone out to incite violence and the breakdown of law and order in the State. Such a person will be prosecuted as prescribed in the Penal Code and other existing laws”.
The statement further said the “State Security Council after careful deliberations resolves as follows; where there is an allegation of Religious Blasphemy, citizens of the State are cautioned NOT to take the law into their hands. Rather they should report to security agencies who will promptly handle such matters, according to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Penal Code and other laws. Anyone that unilaterally takes the law into his or her own hand will be prosecuted accordingly.
“Kaduna State Security Council wishes to reiterate its commitment to the protection of lives and property in the State. Appropriate measures will be taken against any individual, no matter his or her standing, found inciting religious, ethnic and political violence or any form of civil disturbance in the State.
“The Council also reiterates that the law banning commercial motorcycles in the State is still in force and the law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure compliance and prosecution of any breach.
“The Council note and appreciates the efforts of the citizens of the State in cooperating with the security agencies and the government. The council urges them to redouble their efforts in alerting security agencies, and traditional and religious leaders, about all suspicious movements and activities of individuals or groups that may pose threats to the peace and stability of the State”.
