The National House of Assembly, led by Senator President David Mark and Speaker Dimeji Bankola in 2007 passed the National Identity Management Commission Act. This act mandates the operation, maintenance and management of a database containing information on every citizen of the country. It emphasizes the right of Nigerians to declare their identification within the framework of the law.
On August 28, 2014, President Jonathan Goodluck launched the new Nigerian national ID card. The executive order made it mandatory for every individual to take full responsibility for upholding the information as a means to sustain the country’s security measures.
The registration of Celestial Church of Christ under the Corporate Affairs Commission Act subjects the church authority to abide by the provisions of Nigerian laws through its administrative system, appointment of individuals, and establishment of departments. Celestial Church cannot operate independently, disregarding the principles of transparency outlined in the country’s laws without following due process.
It Is the right of Nigerian citizens to declare their complete identification through the registration of their information without hiding behind any approval laws. These laws also empower banks, customs and immigration to demand such information without any isolation precautions. Additionally, the laws grant the Corporate Affairs Commission Act the authority to determine and summon any religious organization that fails to comply with the provisions of the establishment laws.
In a lawsuit filed in 2018 at the High Court of Anambra State in Nigeria (SUIT NO: 0/103/2018), the validity of the NIN Slip as a means of identification was put to the test. The Federal High Court ruling further empowered institutions to require citizens to always display their identification in any situation.
In the case of APC & Anor. V Marafa & 17 Ors. (SC. 377/2019), the Supreme Court faced a preliminary objection. The objection was raised on the grounds that, according to Section 1(1)(u) of the NIN Mandatory Use Regulations and the NIMC Act, the use of the NIN is a prerequisite for filing and registering criminal and civil actions in courts or other arbitration processes in Nigeria. However, the Supreme Court overruled this objection on May 24, 2019, stating that Section 27 of the NIMC Act and its regulations do not form part of the court’s rules and therefore cannot be applied to the processes filed therein.
It has become crucial for our Church to adhere to the provisions of the CAMA Act when appointing individuals to handle the collection and management of funds on behalf of our registered church. The Nigerian government has taken significant steps to ensure the proper identification and registration of its citizens.
These measures not only enhance national security but also promote transparency and accountability within religious organizations. By adhering to the established laws, Celestial Church of Christ and other religious institutions contribute to the overall well-being of the country.
