Lai Kicks As U.S. Adds Nigeria Among Persecutors Of Religion

Nigeria has denied the allegation, by the United States, of engaging in systematic and egregious religious freedom violations.

The denial follows the decision of the United States Government to add Nigeria to an infamous list of countries with the reputation of persecuting people based on their religion.

Nigeria joined countries including Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan on the US Department of State’s Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) list, which names and shames governments which have “engaged in or tolerated ‘systematic, ongoing, [and] egregious violations of religious freedom.’’

“Today, the United States, a nation founded by those fleeing religious persecution … once again took action to defend those who simply want to exercise this essential freedom,” stated Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday.

Incidentally, Nigeria becomes the first democratic country to be ever so listed.

Responding to the development, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the allegation as a case of honest disagreement between the two nations on the causes of violence in Nigeria.

”Nigeria does not engage in religious freedom violation, neither does it have a policy of religious persecution. Victims of insecurity and terrorism in the country are adherents of Christianity, Islam and other religions,” the Minister said.

He said Nigeria jealously protects religious freedom as enshrined in the country’s constitution and takes seriously any infringements in this regard.

Among the most infamous cases of religious persecution in recent times was the kidnap of Leah Sharibu from her school by the Boko Haram terrorist group. She was held back when the Federal Government negotiated a deal with the terrorist group because she refused to denounce her Christian faith.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG