Ezekiel Awojide, Abuja
The Federal Government has said it is wrong for the United States of America to believe that Christians are facing persecution in Nigeria.
The government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said there was no iota of truth about an alleged oppression of Christians in Nigeria.
The government reaction was a follow-up to the March 12 claim by a Catholic Bishop, Wilfred Anagbe, and Remigius Ihyula, a reverend father, who appeared before the United States House foreign affairs committee to testify about militants killing or forcibly displacing Christian farmers in Benue.
The clergymen also claimed that there is an ongoing campaign of Islamisation in the country said, “They steal and vandalise, they kill and boast about it, they kidnap and rape, and they enjoy total impunity from the elected authorities,” Anagbe had said before the committee.
“None of them have been arrested and brought to justice. This is supported by the corrupt system in which we operate and the abject poverty among us, which allow the criminals to easily attract more recruits and prey on more victims.”
The religious leaders added that they have become targets, with Anagbe alleging threats from the foreign ministry, cautioning him to “watch his words.”
Their cry attracted the attention of the UM Mission in Nigeria, which on Thursday, said it was disturbed by the reports of intimidation and threats against the clergymen.
It said, “Freedom of expression is an essential human right and central to the function of democracy in Nigeria and the United States. No one should be subject to threats for exercising that right,” the mission said in a statement.
“We call on all actors to respect Bishop Anagbe’s and Father Remigius’s right to speak freely without fear of retribution or retaliation.”
Reacting to the US Mission in a statement posted via X on Saturday, the foreign ministry said the US mission’s stance is concerning.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the clergymen’s right to free speech is recognised, adding that their testimonies before the US lawmakers misrepresented facts and oversimplified a “deeply complex national challenge.”
He said, “The reality is that Nigeria is fighting multiple security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and organised crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.
“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.
“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.”
