Bill seeking to establish National Religious Harmony Commission passes second reading

A bill seeking to establish a National Religious Harmony Commission which would tackle religious-inclined infractions, promote religious freedom, and also provide a statutory framework for the protection of fundamental human rights of Nigerians, has passed its second reading.

The bill sponsored by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Abubakar Hassan Fulata (APC, Jigawa) was presented for second reading on Tuesday September 27. It gives power to the commission to investigate cases of religious discrimination, victimisation and harassment in all facets of Nigeria and prosecute offenders.

It would also “monitor incidents of religious extremism, including hate speech and other actions and utterances intended to incite violent passions and prosecute offenders; provide an early warning system for government and law enforcement to detect and prevent actions liable to incite religious violence and breakdown in law and order”.

The bill was passed by the House after a voice vote put forward by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila who presided over the plenary.