Governor's Ban On Prayers Angers Christians

By Peterkins Manyong

A decision by Northwest Governor, Abakar Ahamat, banning prayers during official occasions has been received with anger by Christians.

The Governor raised objections about prayers at the beginning of meetings during a meeting presided over by former Northwest Paymaster, Ignatius Dingha Bayin.Abakar later reiterated his position on the issue during the eighth Steering Committee meeting of the Grassfield Project, GP-DERUDEP, which held on September 12.

His argument was that prayers at the beginning of meetings waste time and have no meaning.He was strongly of the view that public occasions are attended by people from different denominations and this would entail that members of these different denominations should all take turns to pray.

This, according to the Governor, consumes a lot of time. He, therefore, gave strict instructions that prayers should not feature on the agenda of any meetings to be chaired by him.

To him, only the National Anthem should be sung on such occasions.The Governor's position angered many Christians who are strongly of the opinion that failing to commit any occasion into the hands of God, means wanting that occasion to fail.

Opinion leaders, especially members of the civil society, who refused to be quoted, told The Post that the Governor's decision was not only ungodly, but provocative.El-Hadj Lawan Bako, Chairman of the United Democratic Party, UDP, a practising Muslim, supported the Governor's decision saying it was provocative to Muslims.

Comments

[Delors]

Mr. Gorvenor watchout for you are in Hot Water. Bamenda

[naneh2]

This is the beginning!
A few sick Muslims are going to create a massive Muslim/christian divide.
How much time does it take to pray?
The NW people should not take this; we rather make the provine ungovernable!!!

[espoir]

this decision is total non sence and religiously motivated.this man is of the muslem faith no doubt.
he cannot just come in today and pass laws against the way of life of the people.
i will definitely go to jail than accept this.

[UnitedstatesofAfrica]

He raises valid points. Why should only christian prayers be allowed in these meetings? is Cameroon only comprised of Christians?

Pray in your hearts and spare us the open display of hypocrisy. Africa's exaggerated reliance on christianity is the root to her problems. These corrupt people want to pray? so that when everybody covers their eyes, they will grab all the money eh? PLEASE! who are they fooling?