At Wednesday’s plenary, the Senate considered a bill seeking to establish the National Religious Harmony Commission (NRHC).

The National Religious Harmony Commission (Establishment) Bill 2022, sponsored by Suleiman Umar (APC Kwara), passed the second reading during the plenary.

Leading debate on the bill’s general principles, Mr Umar said the bill sought to establish the NRHC to promote religious tolerance, peace, and harmony in Nigeria.

He said the United Nations (UN) Charter and several provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) were based on the principles of the dignity and equality of all human beings.

The senator added that the move was due to the Nigerian polity’s chequered history of religious intolerance.

This, he said, would limit controversy and confrontation over allegations of discrimination based on religious identities.

He said the NRHC would be responsible for reviewing measures provided in the constitution or any law to protect religious rights and recommend effective implementation and enforcement measures.

The bill, after consideration, was referred to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters for legislative input.

The committee was given four weeks to turn in its report.

(NAN)