Amid Tight Security, Tear Gas, El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash With EFCC As He Arrives Headquarters

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February 16, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai arrived the Headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Jabi, Abuja, but not without drama. El-Rufai who arrived around 12 noon was accompanied by over a thousand supporters but who were denied entry into the premises of the Commission.

That resulted in a clash between his supporters and EFCC Operatives who, according to the supporters, deployed tear gas. The supporters, therefore, embarked on a protest, and alleged that an-anti El-Rufai group, were allowed to converge by the Commission’s gate from where they were, allegedly, hauling insults at the former APC Governor of Kaduna State, who, however, now, is a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

One of his supporters complained in a video he posted on X:: “We came to support El-Rufai only for us to see some people insulting and humiliating El-Rufai for nothing.

“They allowed them to come close to EFCC Headquarters to insult El-Rufai, but we that are people of El-Rufai, they stopped us at the junction. This is not justice. They should fear God.

“It is not all all about money. It is not all about politics. It is not all about power.”

On the tear gas fired at them, one of the supporters said: “When it clears, we will come back. Today, you people will throw tear gas until you are tired.”

El-Rufai’s mission at the EFCC Headquarters is in connection with the outcome of a March 2024 probe which was initiated by his successor, Governor Uba Sani. The probe panel returned a damning report which alleged a misappropriation of over N4billion by El-Rufai. But it is an allegation that El-Rufai vehemently denied and challenged same at a Federal High Court.

Recently, while El-Rufai was in Cairo, Egypt for medical attention, the EFCC sent him an invite over the allegation. His Counsel who responded on his behalf, in consultation with him, told the anti-corruption Commission that his client would appear before it on February 16, 2026 on return from his medical.

His return a few days ago, also, turned out a drama. He had a brush with Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, who he said attempted to “abduct” him, a move he vigorously resisted. However, the DSS took away from one of his Aides, his International Passport.

At the time of filing this report, he was still with the EFCC Operatives where he is being interrogated.

El-Rufai Desperately Trying To Create Unrest, Divert Attention From Corruption Allegations – Presidency

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 16, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Presidency has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, of deliberately heating up the polity with the intent to divert attention from the corruption allegations against him.

A statement on Monday February 16 , 2026, from the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, also alleged that El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the nascent opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, is working assiduously to damage the image of the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration through deliberate misinformation and mischief.

The Source reports that the Presidency’s reaction is coming amidst El-Rufai’s allegation that the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, recently imported into the country Lithium Sulphate , a highly poisonous and lethal chemical substance from Poland.

In a letter addressed to Nuhu Ribadu ,the National Security Adviser, NSA, the former Kaduna State Governor demanded for an explanation for the importation of the dangerous chemical at this critical moment in the life of the country.

El-Rufai had, earlier, on Saturday, while speaking on Arise Television, launched a scathing criticism of the President Tinubu’s administration, branding it the most corrupt and inept in the history of Nigeria.

But writing on his official site on Monday, Ajayi accused El-Rufai of deliberately trying to draw unmerited attention with the intent to create an image of a victim of Government persecution.

According to the Presidential media aide, El-Rufai is trying so hard to nationalize an otherwise personal differences with the Kaduna state Government, with a view to currying public sympathy and solidarity.

“El-Rufai has two clear intentions behind his recent actions and tantrums. One, to create political tension in the country; create an atmosphere of fear and unrest .

“Two, to divert attention from his domestic problems in Kaduna State where he is facing massive corruption allegations” Ajayi stated .

“I Will Contest In 2027, If They Fail To Transmit Results, We’ll Transmit It For Them” – Peter Obi

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Adesina Soyooye

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February 16, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

“I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom, and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit them for them”

Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has disclosed the real reason he defected from the Party to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Obi spoke in Uyo, Akwa Ibom Saturday during the OBIDIENT Conference and his official declaration for ADC. The theme of the Conference is: “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.”

On why he dumped the LP, Obi disclosed: “I left LP when I got informed that as long as I remain in the Party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, that the Federal Government doesn’t want me on the ballot.”

But a defiant Obi told hus excited listeners: “I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom. And if they don’t want to Transmit the results, we will Transmit them for them.”

Taking on the President Bola Tinubu administration he said: “The current administration has collected more loans than every other administration, and most of these loans will be repaid from 2045 to 2050 when most of the people who plunged the country into thus indebtedness are no more.”

Obi then issued a stern warning to Nigerians and election officials regarding the 2027 elections.

In a statement he shared on social media, Obi said:

“Unlike in the past, in 2027 our votes MUST count, and all those who are there not to count the votes will be counted among those destroying Nigeria. I encourage everyone to remain at the polling units after voting to count and witness the counting and transmission of results. Those who refuse to allow the votes count will be made to count the full weight of the law against rigging. Let me reiterate: if you do not count our votes, we will count you among those who destroy our democracy, thereby destroying our future, and you must answer to the law.”

Obi’s message underscores the importance of vigilance at the polls and the need for the integrity of the electoral process to be upheld. He called on Nigerians to observe the counting of votes and warned that anyone attempting to subvert the people’s mandate will face legal consequences.

Russia/ Ukraine War: Nigerian Engineer Declared Dead Found Alive

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James Orji

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February 16, 2026

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Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a video address to the nation in Moscow — Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A Nigerian mechanic, Balogun Adida Ridwan who was declared dead after fighting in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has been discovered to be alive.

Ridwan, had travelled to Russia in search of employment, but was listed among Nigerians allegedly killed in the conflict. His name circulated in media reports in February, with claims that he and three others, namely Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Kuyum, and Abugu Stanley Onyeka, had died after being recruited under false pretenses and sent to the battlefield.

But Balogun, a 32-year old Nigerian who traveled to Russia in search of green pastures had been found alive, according to a report by United24Media.

Instead, he had been taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces near the city of Lyman in the Donetsk region on January 13, 2026, after surrendering at the front lines. From captivity, he would later learn that he had already been declared dead back home in Nigeria.

Balogun had travelled to Russia on a tourist visa, hoping to secure work as an engineer. According to his account, he was promised employment but later found himself at a military base where he signed documents he could not understand due to language barriers.

Without access to a translator or his phone, which he said was confiscated, he became part of a group of foreign recruits deployed to the war front after only weeks of training.

“The day we were signing the contract, I didn’t understand the language,” Balogun says. “They didn’t allow us to use our phones to translate, so we signed our contracts. I told them already about my job. Maybe they were going to put me in my field. I didn’t know they would use me.”

Faced with combat, Balogun said he and another foreign recruit made the decision to surrender immediately upon encountering Ukrainian troops.

“I was lucky to be captured by the Ukrainians. They are good people,” Balogun said.

He described his treatment in custody as humane, stating that Ukrainian soldiers did not harm him and instead provided clothing, warm shelter, and food. According to him, the capture ultimately saved his life.

“They told us to stand up and go with them,” Balogun says. “Ukrainians did not harm us or hurt us; When we got to their base, we were welcome—giving us what to dress in, coffee, kept us in a warm place for us to be calm. We were ok. They made sure we were ok, that we wouldn’t panic. They were really nice to us. I really appreciate that.”

While he remained in captivity, news of his supposed death spread in Nigeria. Reports claimed that information about the deaths of foreign recruits had emerged from a secret WhatsApp group allegedly created by African fighters involved in the war. His inclusion on the list left family and friends believing he had been killed in action.

Now confirmed alive, Balogun is seeking permission to return to Nigeria.

He insists he travelled abroad strictly in search of civilian employment and was misled into military service.

His case highlights growing concerns over the recruitment of foreign nationals under unclear circumstances amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

For Balogun, survival has come with a surreal twist, outliving his own obituary. Once mourned as a casualty of war, he now faces the complex path of proving he was not a willing combatant, but a victim of deception who lived to tell the story.

“I travelled to Russia on a tourist visa to find a job,” says Balogun. “The government of Russia grossly fooled me, turned me into a soldier, and sent me to war in Ukraine.”

“I appeal to my government, to my president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Forgive your son. I left home to feed my family. It did not work out the way I wanted. I went to have a job as a mechanic or engineer. The Russian government totally fooled me,” he says.

Sahara Reporters

Gov Eno Says Supreme Court Has Settled Case Of Disputed Oil Wells

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James Orji

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February 16, 2026

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has called on the people of the state to remain calm in the face of the ongoing contest between the state and Cross Rivers state over 76 oil wells.

According to the governor, there’s no cause for alarm as the Supreme Court, Nigeria’s apex court has already affirmed Akwa Ibom as the legal owners of the disputed oil wells.

In 2012, the Supreme Court awarded the oil wells to Akwa Ibom, but Cross Rivers want the oil wells returned saying the judgment was unfair to the state.

Governor Eno made the assertion, on Sunday while fielding questions from journalists on his arrival at the state, saying he had confidence in the apex court judgment and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ability to defend the law.

Cross Rivers state has been agitating for the Supreme Court judgment, which it described as unjust to be reversed, arguing that over 60 of the oil wells are under the state’s territory.

But Governor Eno said the apex court judgment has put to rest the dispute, wondering why Cross Rivers have refused to allow the matter to rest, by cooking “up story”.

Two Supreme Court judgments, the governor said, have affirmed the state ownership of the oil wells, that cannot be invalidated.

Eno: “There are two Supreme Court judgments that give Akwa Ibom State the right to those oil wells.

“We are not sharing maritime boundaries with Cross River State but with the Republic of Cameroun, and the Nigerian Supreme Court has said so twice to establish this fact.

“The people on the other side may cook up any story they want; raise propaganda, but this propaganda has no effect in the face of the two Supreme Court decisions establishing our ownership of the oil wells. This is not about sentiments.”

He stressed that President Tinubu will obey the law over the issue, that sentiment should be set aside from facts which established his state ownership of the oil wells l.

“I believe in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; I believe that the rule of law will be respected; I believe that we cannot throw away Supreme Court decisions twice on this particular matter.

“If we were to talk about sentiments, then Cross River State should equally contest the allocation of many Ibibio-speaking villages of Itu LGA in Akwa Ibom State to Cross River State.

“Why are they coming up now to whip up sentiments when irrefutable facts on the oil wells have already been established?” Eno said, urging his people to “remain calm”.

Over N5 Billion, 1000 Shops Lost In Second Kano Market Fire Outbreak, Tinubu Orders Probe

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 16, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An estimated N5 billion worth of goods, and over 1000 shops and business premises were lost in yet another fire outbreak at the popular Singa Market in Kano at the weekend.

The inferno which razed a substantial part of the market has been adjudged the worst in the history of the biggest Commodity Market in the commercial nerve centre of the Northern region.

The fire outbreak, the second in about two weeks, according to officials, remains one of the worst tragedies that have befallen traders in recent memory.

In an interactive session with the Media on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the chairman of the biggest Commodity Market in the Northern region of Nigeria, Junaid Zakari, informed that four residential buildings housing small-scale businesses, over 1000 shops laden with goods, equipment, and other essential items worth over N5 billion were lost to the incident.

The Chairman, also, disclosed that seven persons are missing as at the time of the interview with the media. Investigations are ongoing to determine definitively their whereabouts.

While appreciating the efforts of the Kano State authorities, the Kano State Fire Service operatives and other rescuers in controlling the inferno, Zakari described the unfortunate incident as one that has left a permanent scar on the traders .

Meanwhile , President Bola Tinubu on, Sunday, ,ordered an immediate and unfettered investigation into the latest inferno at the market ,which only about penultimate week witnessed a devastating fire incident that claimed billions of naira worth of goods and properties.

In a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga ,the President expressed serious concern over the repeated incidents of fire outbreak at the popular Market.

According to the President, there is the urgent need to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the persistent cases of inferno ,which leave traders and other market users in despair and severe pain .

While commiserating with the Kano State Government, the victims and the entire Kano residents, the President also expressed profound shock and worry over the heavy losses incurred by the victims .

“The President was particularly alarmed that the latest incident came less than two weeks after another fire destroyed dozens of shops, and property at the same market”, the statement added.

Ondo: Army Guns Down Two Suspected Bandits

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Ayodele Oni

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February 16, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Clearance operation and intensive patrols embarked upon by security agents in Ondo state are yielding result as troops of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army neutralised two suspected armed terrorists during a tactical operation.

The operation, which was carried out on February 14 along the Akunu–Auga road axis, in Akoko area, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected criminal elements within the area.

Sources disclosed that the troops, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Auga, swiftly mobilised to intercept the suspects. A gun battle reportedly ensued when the armed men engaged the soldiers.

Military authorities said two of the suspects were killed during the exchange of fire, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with personnel of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes.

Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 61 rounds of ammunition. Other exhibits recovered were three mobile phones, a jackknife, a torchlight, suspected illicit drugs charms, and the sum of ₦39,000.

The Army said the operation underscored its resolve to curtail criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents across the state.

It added that troops would sustain clearance operations and intensify patrols along identified flashpoints, while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.

Residents were urged to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

Senate Leader: Real-time Election Results Transmission Impossible, Nigeria Not Ready For It

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James Orji

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February 16, 2026

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Nigeria’ Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has declared that the country is not ready for real-time electronic transmission of election results.

The senator representing Ekiti state in the Upper Chamber of Nigeria’s Legislature said the electricity and telecommunication infrastructure available in the country cannot support the demand by Nigerians that election results be transmitted electronically real-time.

While internet penetration is very low in the country, Bamidele said no fewer than 85 million Nigerians lack access to grid electricity, representing about 43 per cent of the nation’s population.

Bamidele made the remark on Sunday, in a statement, citing data from the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC which exposed gaps in the nation’s telecoms infrastructure.

Recall that the Senate had last week buckled under pressure to amend the Electoral Act to include the electronic transmission of election results, with a caveat that election results can be transmitted manually where internet is not available.

The Senate had provided in the amended Electoral Act 2026 that the Presiding Officer “shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in real time”.

Not a few Nigerians have, however, complained that the amendment fell short of their yearnings for a real-time transmission of election results, which they insist will reduce election results manipulation.

According to Bamidele, it’s desirable that election results be transmitted electronically, as soon as the ballots have been counted, but that the nation’s internet infrastructure cannot support such, citing NCC data which put broadband coverage at 70 per cent and internet penetration at over 44 per cent of the population.

The senator also cited the Speedtest Global Index, which ranked Nigeria 85th out of 105 countries in mobile network reliability and 129th out of 150 countries in fixed broadband reliability.

He stressed that Nigeria’s situation is quite different from other countries where internet penetration is relatively high.

“This is extremely low compared with the UAE, which has 691.76 Mbps; Qatar with 573.53 Mbps; Kuwait’s 415.67 Mbps; Bahrain’s 303.21 Mbps; and Bulgaria’s 289.41 Mbps. The Index placed Nigeria far below the global average,” he said.

He said: Nigeria’s fixed internet broadband rating is quite low by the global standard. Out of 150 countries, Nigeria occupied 129th position with only 33.32 Mbps.”

“This shortfall speaks to the state of our power infrastructure.”

The magazine reports that the House of Representatives has slated an Emergency Sitting for Tuesday, February 17 to address some of the issues generated in 2026 Electoral Act.

Afterwards, the two Chambers, Senate and House of Reps are expected to harmonize the various versions of the Bill for onward transmission to the president for his assent.

Toxic Chemical: Why NSA Reported El-Rufai To DSS, Fmr. Minister To Face Interrogation

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Adesina Soyooye

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February 16, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, has reported a former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Department of State Services, DSS. This stems from El-Rufai’s letter to the NSA where he alleged that the NSA’s office has imported 10 kilograms of a poisonous chemical, Thallium Sulphate, from a supplier in Poland.

A deadly poison, Thallium Sulphate is odourless and colourless and gradually, but surely kills.

In El-Rufai’s letter to the NSA dated January 30, 2026, he sought clarification as to why such a toxic chemical should be imported into the country through the office of the NSA and for what purpose.

He wrote, in part:

“As part of my duty as a citizen, I wrote to the NSA to seek clarification on reports about the importation by his office of thallium sulphate, a very dangerous toxin, “odourless and colourless’, making its presence even more worrying.”

He described the toxic chemical as extremely hazardous and subject to strict international controls. El-Rufai, also, argued that the alleged importation raised serious questions around public safety and transparency.

He sought from the NSA’s office the purpose for which the chemical was procured, the intended end-user, the company that supplied it, and whether the importation was authorised under any valid chemical or defence permit.

El-Rufai also requested details on the “exact quantity and concentration reportedly acquired, as well as how the substance would be stored and secured.”

He wanted, also, to know whether relevant regulatory and public-health authorities – National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control – were involved in assessing potential risks or developing safety and mitigation plans.

He noted: “public confidence in national institutions requires that the matter be addressed promptly and transparently.”

But in a response, the office of the NSA has asked El-Rufai to submit any evidence he has of such importation to the DSS for investigation.

In the response to El-Rufai’s allegation dated February 13, 2026, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adeyusi, the office of the NSA, denied any such importation, or any plans for such importation.

The letter reads in part: “I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence received on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification regarding the alleged procurement of, approximately, 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“I am directed to respectfully convey that ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so.

“I am further directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation.

“Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation, establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence.”

The letter was delivered to El-Rufai at his Abuja residence on Sunday through his Chief Security Officer.

This is the second serious brush between Ribadu and El-Rufai, two men who were very close friends and worked together during the Presidebcy of both President’s Olusegun Obasanjo and late Muhammadu Buhari.

In an earlier brush a few days ago, El-Rufai had alleged that an order was given by Ribadu to have him arrested at the Airport, or wherever, on his return from Cairo, Egypt, where he, El-Rufai, had gone for medical attention. Asked how he knew, El-Rufai said he was told by a yet-to-be named individual who wire-tapped the NSA’s phone.

Not a few people, including the President’s main Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has called for a thorough investigation into El-Rufai’s claim of wire-tapping the NSA’s phone – something considered an extremely serious security breach.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai is billed to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday February 16, (today) over allegations of financial inappropriateness when he was Governor of Kaduna State.

It is to be seen if his appearance at the EFCC would mark the beginning of a long spell in detention as he could be transferred from the EFCC to the DSS for investigation into his recent allegations – tapping of the NSA’s phone and the importation of the poisonous chemical- Thallium Sulphate .

Niger CAN Kicks Against Hisbah Law

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Ayodele Oni

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February 15, 2026

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Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State

By Ayodele Oni

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Niger state chapter, has written to the state government over planned move to sign into law a bill on Hisbah, recently passed by the state House of Assembly.

CAN Niger State Chapter disclosed that the proposed Hisbah law segregates and discriminate against Christians in the state, warning that “it will only create division amongst the people of the state.”

In a statement by the State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna on Sunday, the Association warned that, the Niger State Hisbah Directorate Bill sponsored by the member representing Chanchaga Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, is a controversial Bill that should not be assented to by the Executive arm of Government.

The statement by the Chairman read in part: “Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, we, the entire Christendom in the State wish to draw your attention to what could easily create division amongst the people you govern.

“As a matter of urgency, we call on the Speaker and other members of the State House of Assembly to drop the Bill except their aim is to incite and or anger a major group of people.

The Chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, asked: Why Hisbah law in Niger? What is the aim? Of what benefit is it to our people economically and socially? Do they (lawmakers) realize that Christians will not be subjected to Hisbah law.

It should be recalled that the Chairman of the joint Committee Hon. Isah Muhammad Etsugaie after presenting the report of the House Committees on Religious Affairs and Judiciary and Legal Matters at the plenary of the House in Minna, had claimed that they conducted a public hearing involving critical stakeholders including CAN.

But the Chairman reiterated that the Association was never considered a major stakeholder in the state saying “one would wonder whether the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State, was considered or part of it.

“For the records, we, (CAN) as a Body were neither invited nor notified of such public hearing meant for critical stakeholders which obviously further indicates the segregation of Christians in sensitive matters in the state.

“Niger state is not predominantly a Muslim State and we should look beyond religious divides and focus on our unity rather than what can easily divide us as a people.

“I want to call on our dear Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for the interest of peace and unity not to sign and pass the Bill into law”.

While calling on the members of the State House of Assembly to think of better things to do for the people and not to sit and move for controversial laws that will cause unrest in the State, Bishop Yohanna said “by now, we should be thinking of what can strengthen our relationship and not to use religion as a tool.

“What is the benefit of the Hisbah Bill to the people; and since the advent of Shari’a, our dear State has suffered economically with businesses packed up, investors and various businessmen and businesswomen relocated to other States where they are thriving and those States have developed economically.”

He emphasized that Niger state is religiously a mixed State, adding that “such a law can only further buttress facts that there is truly marginalization of Christians and the Bill can only be perceived as a tool for persecution of our people”.

Furthermore, the statement advised that, there is the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Vigilante Groups and other recognized groups with constitutional powers to operate.

He then warned that, the Hisbah law will affect non Muslims especially as the State has a significant Christian population; “and we can not be forced to abide by Islamic laws”, he added.

The statement also disclosed that, if signed into law, the Hisbah law will infringe on the constitutional rights of non Muslims.

Accordingly, it stated that “the law will pave way for persecution and loss of freedom. The Hisbah law will definitely be a tool for systemic persecution; the harassment of Christians and suppressing of religious freedom.

“The assenting and enforcement of Hisbah will be a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, not Sharia.”