El-Rufai vows to punish religion blasphemy fabricators
El-Rufai vows to punish religion blasphemy fabricators
….Says Okada ban still in force
By Segun Ayobami, Kaduna
KADUNA State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai yesterday rose from the 21st Security Council meeting, to vowed that anybody caught fabricating religion blasphemy would be severely punished regardless of his or her political or religion antecedent.
The State Security Council has deliberated extensively over the recent incidence at the Kawo General Hospital where two health workers at the hospital with varying political views turned into an issue of blasphemy. It took timely intervention of security agents to save the state from been plunged into another bloody religion crisis.
A statement by Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, also warned that the ban on commercial motorcycle popularly called Okada is still in force.
The statement read, “The Kaduna State Security Council at its 21st meeting, held on the 3rd November, 2015, deliberated on the recent incidence at the Kawo General Hospital that threatened the peace of the state. The Council was briefed that on the 25thOctober, 2015, an argument between two workers at the hospital who held opposing political opinions was suddenly twisted into an issue of blasphemy.
“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.
“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.”
Posted from GoBroadsheet