The federal authorities has refuted a report by the USA Embassy in Abuja, claiming that Christians in Nigeria have been systematically focused for extermination and different types of persecution by fundamentalist Islamists within the nation.
Spokesman of the Ministry of Overseas Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in a press release on Friday, descibed the report as deceptive and oversimplified a deeply complicated nationwide safety problem dealing with the nation.
“The Ministry of Overseas Affairs observes with concern a current social media publication by the USA Embassy, Abuja, relating to the safety state of affairs in Nigeria and the testimonies supplied by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, on alleged threats which have arisen because of their testimonies at the USA Congressional Listening to on Spiritual Persecution in Nigeria.
“Although their testimonies misrepresent information and oversimplify a deeply complicated nationwide problem, the non secular leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression and affiliation as enshrined within the Nigerian structure.
“The assertion that the Nigerian authorities has “allowed the violence to escalate unchecked” is each inaccurate and unfair.
“The federal government has constantly taken decisive motion, together with; deploying safety forces to areas affected by communal violence; partaking in peace-building efforts between farmers and herders; strengthening intelligence operations to trace down legal components and implementing insurance policies to handle rootcauses, together with land use reforms and {economic} improvement initiatives,” the assertion mentioned.
The federal authorities emphasised that whereas these challenges stay, it’s incorrect to recommend that the Nigerian authorities has been inactive or detached.
It added the fact that Nigeria is combating a number of safety threats, together with banditry, terrorism, and organised crime, all of which have an effect on completely different communities irrespective of faith.
“The Nigerian authorities stays totally dedicated to upholding freedom of faith and freedom of expression, amongst different freedoms. Any report of threats or intimidation in opposition to non secular leaders will likely be investigated, and acceptable motion will likely be taken.
“The present administration values its partnership with the USA and different worldwide allies in addressing safety considerations, and subsequently requires warning in opposition to narratives that danger deepening non secular divisions and misrepresenting the state of affairs on the bottom, but additionally enjoins well-meaning companions to hitch its efforts in direction of the upkeep of peace and safety.”
The Federal Authorities restated it’s dedication to repeatedly prioritising safety of the lives and property of its residents, no matter religion or ethnicity, whereas strengthening nationwide and worldwide cooperation within the battle in opposition to insecurity.
“We subsequently name for accountable reporting that displays the complete complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue moderately than polarisation,” the assertion added.
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