Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday told stakeholders that the bill to regulate preaching in the state was aimed at curbing emerging religious extremism.

He said, the bill which is before the State Assembly has no intention of banning evangelism in the state.

Speaking on the intention of government at a religious bill roundtable organised by a non governmental organisation, Carefronting Nigeria in Kaduna, Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, posited that, security of lives and property formed  the basis of government intention.

Aruwan said government appreciates the reservations and contributions of religious leaders and other critical stakeholders who have made their genuine positions,adding that some people have started politicizing the good intention of government to restore peace in Kaduna.

Aruwan said the bill will have a framework where some strange ideological beliefs that are not in tandem with both faiths will be checked,stressing that the bill is not a law yet and everybody should make contribution.

According to Aruwan, just before the present government came on board there were killings in Southern Kaduna and Birnin Gwari axis of the state but was now under firm control.

Aruwan said : “Government wants to curb extremism associated with religious beliefs and not to stop evangelism in the state or stop people from practicing their faith.

“Kaduna State Governor meant well for the people and wants  to secure the lives and property of the residents of the state. There are emerging threats and we need to take drastic action now. We should all support this bill.”

On his part, Carefronting Nigeria, coordinator, Peter Maji,  said they were moved to call stakeholders for discussion because of the issues the bill has generated.