CAN opposes NASS debate on Grazing Reserves Bill

The Christian As­sociation of Ni­geria (CAÑ) has called on the National Assembly to immedi­ately stop further de­liberation on the pro­posed Grazing Reserve bill and rather engage all stakeholders on dia­logue for the collective good of all Nigerians.

A communique is­sued after its national executive council meet­ing signed by Rev Dr Musa Awake and Di­rector, Legal & Public Affairs, Albert Uko in Abuja said the bill fa­vours a section of Ni­geria.

“The meeting ob­served with serious concern the bill in the National Assem­bly seeking to create Grazing Reserve for a segment of herdsmen against the collective interest of farmers. The criminal menace of these herdsmen is now affecting almost all the states of the fed­eration and one may be inclined to believe that this is an indirect way to Islamise Nigeria through violence.

“The church calls on the Federal Govern­ment and the National Assembly to suspend consideration of this bill in its entirety and call for dialogue with stakeholders to give room for more inputs.”

The meeting also noted with concern the recent High Court judgment in Osun State on the use of hijab in all schools including mis­sionary schools.

“This development is unfortunate and may send a very wrong sig­nal that Osun State Government is clearly favouring one religion over the other. The Osun State government is hereby advised to be sensitive to religious matters of this nature for peaceful coexis­tence.