…Reaffirms commitment to security, religious freedom
By Daniel Kanu
The Federal Government has responded to recent claims made by the United States Embassy in Abuja, regarding the country’s security situation and alleged threats against religious leaders.
This is as the government rejected the portrayal of the situation as an Islamist extermination of Christians by foreign governments.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry expressed concern over the embassy’s social media publication, which referenced testimonies by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula at a US Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria.
It denied the allegations that it has “allowed violence to escalate unchecked, describing the claim as “inaccurate and unfair”.
The statement stated that the government has taken decisive actions to address security challenges, including: deploying security forces, peace-building efforts, Intelligence operations, and policy implementations, among others.
It noted that troops have been deployed to areas affected by communal violence to restore order and protect the citizens.
it also stressed that initiatives have been implemented to promote peace between farmers and herders in an aim to addressing underlying issues driving conflicts.
The statement noted also that security agencies have strengthened intelligence gathering to track down and apprehend criminal elements.
It disclosed that policies aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity such as land use reforms and economic development initiatives are being implemented.
The statement reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to upholding freedom of religion and expression as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
While acknowledging the right of religious leaders to air their opinions, the government expressed concern over misrepresentations and over-simplification of complex national challenges.
It noted that any reports of threats or intimidation against religious leaders will be investigated and appropriate actions taken.
The statement called for responsible reporting while urging international partners to exercise caution in their reporting, avoiding narratives that could deepen religious divisions and misrepresent the situation on the ground.
The statement reads in part “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs observes with concern a recent social media publication by the United States Embassy, Abuja, regarding the security situation in Nigeria and the testimonies provided by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, on alleged threats that have arisen as a result of their testimonies at the United States Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria.
‘”Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplify a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
“The assertion that the Nigerian government has allowed the violence to escalate unchecked is both inaccurate and unfair.
“The government has consistently taken decisive action, including: Deploying security forces to areas affected by communal violence. Engaging in peace-building efforts between farmers and herders. Strengthening intelligence operations to track down criminal elements. Implementing policies to address root causes, including land use reforms and economic development initiatives.
“It is important to state that, while challenges remain, it is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent.
“The reality is that Nigeria is fighting multiple security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and organized crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.
“The Nigerian government remains fully committed to upholding freedom of religion and freedom of expression, among other freedoms.
“Any report of threats or intimidation against religious leaders will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.
“The current administration values its partnership with the United States and other international allies in addressing security concerns, and therefore calls for caution against narratives that risk deepening religious divisions and misrepresenting the situation on the ground, but also enjoins well-meaning partners to join its efforts towards the maintenance of peace and security.
“Nigeria acknowledges the concerns raised but firmly rejects the portrayal of the situation as an ‘Islamist extermination’ of Christians by foreign governments.
‘The Federal Government will continue to prioritise the protection of the lives and property of its citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, while strengthening national and international cooperation in the fight against insecurity.
“We, therefore, call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarization.”