By; Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna.
Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, has charged the Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai to enact laws that address hate speeches, incitement, hate crimes, noise pollution and the proper use of public spaces which infringes on the rights of others instead of trying to regulate religion.
The Catholic Priest gave this charge in his Easter message at a Mass in Saint Pius Catholic Church, Unguwan Romi, Kaduna on Sunday.
According to him, “government is dabbling into areas that does not concern it, there are things that government can do so that when people are using religion for ulterior motives, things that do not concern religion the government has the authority to make laws that will treat those people as criminals.”
“We view with serious concern an executive bill by the Kaduna State Government to regulate the pastoral and spiritual activities of the two major religions in the state.
“It is our considered opinion that we have more than enough laws in our existing statues to deal with criminals in our country who use religion to achieve their selfish or even evil aims.
“If, for example, a preacher of whatever religion uses either the pulpit, religious premises or even public disorder or lead to the breakdown of law and order such a preacher regardless of his position should be treated as a law breaker or a common criminal as the case may be.
“More so, if anyone uses his or her religious freedom to deny others their own freedom, such a person should and must be treated as a law breaker and not a religious leader.
“While we appreciate and commend the efforts of the state government in securing the state through ensuring law and order, we are, however, alarmed by the an attempt by the government to regulate the pastoral and spiritual activities the major religious bodies in the state given experiences elsewhere in other parts of the world where such regulations and consequences thereof.
“Furthermore, while we appreciate the intention and aim of the government in this regard it must be borne in mind that the end does not justify the means” he said
Archbishop Ndagoso however called on the governor to remember that the country is operating a democratic system where government is of the people, by the people and for the people.
While advising the governor to listen to the people and do the needful, he added that “It is an open secret that on this matter the Christian community and Muslim Ummah of Kaduna State are, to a large extent, on the same page.”
He therefore charge Christians to emulate the leadership style of Jesus Christ, saying “what ever affect the society at large, good or bad affect the Church”
