You Lack Right To License Preachers, Senator Sani Tells El-Rufai

From Shettima Abdullahi, Kaduna
The Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani, has again taken a swipe at Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai of Kaduna State, saying the governor does not have the right to license religious preachers.
Senator Sani, a strident critic of El-Rufai’s policies, sai, the religious preaching bill sent to the state assembly by the governor was uncalled for.
The senator stated this at the 40th Anniversary of Ansarul-Deen Youth Association of Nigeria (ADYAN) in Kaduna on Sunday.
Senator Sani, who is also an APC member, stated categorically that “the governor of Kaduna State does not have the right to license preachers. Every Nigerian has a right to freedom of association and freedom of speech.
“The bill sent to the assembly by the governor is a military decree which is not applicable in a democratic setting. There are existing laws to check whoever hides under religion to foment trouble. This military decree dusted and sent to the assembly in the name of a bill to regulate religious preaching is uncalled for.”
The senator also condemned the alleged plan by the state government to tax petty traders in its efforts to raise the state’s dwindling Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“I condemn a plan by the state government to tax the masses and use the money to create empire for the rich minority”, he said.
The senator, who was honoured with an award by the Islamic organisation expressed mix feelings about the award, it came at a time when th party is yet to deliver its campaign promises.
His words: “I am happy to be honoured, but I cannot celebrate because the award is coming at a time when Nigerians are suffering. There is no power, there is queue in filling stations and so on. The reason why we have not being able to deliver is due to underestimation of the challenges on ground on one hand and sabotage on the other. On the issue of oil shortage, I have observed that, there is a cartel responsible for it, they are trying to hold the President by the jugular and hold Nigerians by the neck.”
He however assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would do everything possible to get the country out of the woods, as he has plans to build new refineries.
At the event, Chief Imam of Ansarul-Deen in Abuja, Dr. Musa Olaofe, urged Nigerians to be patient with the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and equally tasked the government to be just and fair to all.