Amid mounting controversy over the passage of the Hisbah Bill by the Niger State House of Assembly, the Boys Brigade Nigeria, Niger State Council, has openly opposed the proposed law, urging lawmakers to prioritise worsening security and economic challenges instead of what it described as a divisive religious framework.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency State Executive Council meeting in Minna on Tuesday, the group warned that the bill, if signed into law, could destabilise the fragile peace in the state and further strain its struggling economy.
The communiqué, signed by the State Organising Secretary, Mr. Samson Ja phet Pada, said the organisation fully aligns with the position earlier taken by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State Chapter, which condemned the passage of the bill and called on Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago not to assent to it.
According to the Boys Brigade, Niger State’s immediate concern should be addressing insecurity and reviving economic growth rather than enacting what it termed a controversial religious law.
“What Niger State needs at this critical moment, in the face of both security and economic challenges, is legislation that will directly address insecurity and improve the wellbeing of the people not a Hisbah law,” the communiqué stated.
The group described the sponsor of the bill as an “agent of destabilisation,” advising Christians in the state to remain vigilant ahead of forthcoming elections and to carefully assess those seeking their votes.
Drawing parallels with the implementation of Shari’a law in 2001, the organisation argued that the policy led to economic stagnation and an exodus of businesses from the state.
“Niger State is yet to fully recover from the social and economic setbacks experienced after the introduction of Shari’a law. We cannot afford a repeat,” the statement said.
The group further warned that the proposed Hisbah structure, particularly provisions relating to the composition of its board, could marginalise non-Muslims.
It cited clauses in the bill that provide for a board membership consisting solely of Muslims and expressed concern that certain duties assigned to the board may conflict with Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
While acknowledging the importance of moral discipline in society, the Boys Brigade maintained that religious institutions, not a state-backed Hisbah body should be responsible for moral guidance among adherents.
The organisation also urged lawmakers to instead focus on pressing social concerns, including poverty, insecurity, and the growing number of out-of-school children, particularly in Chanchaga Local Government Area.
It recommended legislation targeting street begging and the Almajiri phenomenon, which it described as a persistent social challenge across Northern Nigeria.
The group called on Christians across the state to pray against the signing of the bill into law and to participate actively in the political process.
“We urge Christians, especially members of the Boys Brigade, to obtain their voter cards and support only candidates whose actions promote peace and unity,” the communiqué added.
