CAN faults US delisting of Nigeria from ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ on religious freedom  

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has faulted the delisting of Nigeria by the United States (U.S.) government from the list of ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ (CPC) on freedom of religion. CAN questioned that statistics or information the U.S. relied on to arrive at such conclusion to delist Nigeria from countries suppressing religious freedom.

CAN sounded it loud that the U.S. did not consult with the Association for update on religious freedom or suppression in the country before delisting Nigeria from CPC countries on religious freedom.

CAN, however, stated that whatever the parameter the U.S. adopted in the decision, the important expectation is that Nigeria should be a country that does not discriminate between religious groups or followers.

According to the President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle: “Whatever may be the data they used, our prayer is that Nigeria would be a country where no religious group is discriminated against or persecuted and that our government would see to it that all religiously biased policies are discontinued.”

Ayokunle declared that the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have continued to persecute Christians in northern Nigeria.

Ayokunle stated: “These are the people who said their agenda was to wipe away Christianity from Nigeria and to plant Islam as the only religion from the North down to the Atlantic Ocean in the South.”

The CAN President maintained that the killing and persecution of Christians are yet to be halted, rather they have accelerated in the country. This is in addition to the policies of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration that have been preponderantly discriminating against non-Islamic religion believers in the country in all ramifications, CAN noted.

Ayokunle had highlighted: “For example, for almost a year now, some of our churches have been finding it difficult with the Ministry of Interior to get new marriage certificate booklets after they had exhausted the ones they were using.

“Some had applied for new supply as far back as January this year without any response from the Ministry of Interior till now.”

The association further cited instances of federal appointments into MDAs that laden with religious sentiments and favouritism.