FG pledges action against threats to citizens
The Federal Government has promised immediate action in response to threats against citizens and religious leaders following testimonies by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula at a recent United States Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution.
The testimonies, which were later highlighted by the US Embassy in Abuja, have been criticised for misrepresenting Nigeria’s security efforts and the challenges it faces.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressed concern over what they described as inaccuracies presented by the religious leaders during their testimonies.
The statement made available to Sunday PUNCH, partly read, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs observes with concerns 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 the unfortunate alleged threats that have arisen as a result of their testimonies at the US Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria.
“Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplification of a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression, and association as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.
“The assertion that the Nigerian government has ‘allowed the violence to escalate unchecked’ is both inaccurate and unfair.”
FG also rejected the portrayal of the crisis as an “Islamist extermination” of Christians, calling the narrative a dangerous oversimplification.
The government emphasised that the security challenges faced by Nigeria are complex and affect all communities, irrespective of their religious affiliation.
The government assured that it will continue to take swift action against any threat to the safety of citizens, including religious leaders, and that any reports of intimidation will be fully investigated.
“In light of the misinformation, FG has called for responsible and accurate reporting from international partners. While it values its relationship with the United States and other allies, it urged caution in spreading divisive narratives that fail to reflect the full complexity of Nigeria’s security situation.
“The Nigerian government remains fully committed to upholding freedom of religion and freedom of expression, among other freedoms. Therefore, any reports of threats or intimidation against religious leaders will be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken.
“Nigeria values its partnership with the United States and other international allies in addressing security concerns, it not only urges 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,” the statement further stated.
It added that FG had deployed additional security forces to areas experiencing heightened tensions, ensuring that peace-building initiatives and efforts to protect citizens continue without interruption in response to these inaccuracies.
The statement noted, “The government has consistently taken decisive actions, 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; and 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 organised crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.”
