…Urges FG, States to promote equal protection for every religion.
…Tells Govt to set-up Special Council for Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB).
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A religious body, ‘Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria’ (CHAIN), has called on the Federal Government to adopt a national policy on freedom of religion and belief that guarantees equal protection and opportunity for all faiths to thrive without fear or restriction.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued and respectfully signed by CHAIN’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rev. (Dr.) Joseph John Hayab, and the Chairman, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu Jnr, at the end of a one-day Roundtable Conference held with the theme: ‘Building Synergy Among Faith-Based NGOs for Freedom of Religion or Belief.’
The conference brought together faith leaders, human rights advocates and civil society actors from across the country to deliberate on how to strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom as enshrined in the Constitution.
Participants urged governments at all levels to maintain strict neutrality on religious matters and ensure that citizens are free to practice their faith without intimidation or discrimination.
“Nigeria’s unity and peace depend on the government’s ability to guarantee equal protection for every religion and belief system. The state must remain neutral, in order to preserve justice and national cohesion,” the communiqué stated.
CHAIN observed that when a state enforces or promotes a particular religious doctrine, it loses its neutrality and weakens its moral authority to defend citizens’ rights. The organization noted that freedom of religion and belief (FoRB) is not only a constitutional obligation but also a moral imperative for building an inclusive and peaceful nation.
The forum expressed concern over growing violations of citizens’ rights, warning that such practices threaten Nigeria’s unity and global reputation.
Participants also advocated for the establishment of a Special Council on Freedom of Religion, composed of credible Nigerians, to monitor, investigate, and prosecute violations of religious freedom.
It further urged government to strengthen judicial independence and ensure that law enforcement agencies are held accountable for failing to prevent or punish religiously-motivated violence.
The communiqué emphasized that freedom of religion is not exclusive to any faith group but protects every citizen, including those of minority beliefs or no faith at all; as such called for interfaith dialogue, public enlightenment, and the introduction of FoRB education in schools, to promote mutual respect and understanding from an early age.
“Freedom of religion or belief safeguards individuals, not religions,” CHAIN stressed, adding that, “Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division.”
The roundtable, attended by leading faith-based organizations and policy experts, commended the insightful presentations of Prof. Sam Amadi and Barr. Joseph Danboyi, and lauded CHAIN’s leadership for creating a platform that unites Nigerians in the pursuit of justice and peaceful coexistence.
The conference concluded with a collective commitment to promote tolerance, equity, and respect for human dignity, urging Nigerians to become ambassadors of peace and defenders of the nation’s shared humanity.
Recalled that US congressman recently called for Nigeria to be given special concern over alleged Christian genocidal situation.