Nigeria’s Presidency has complained over the attention given to those it described as Critics with dubious intentions by the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group.
Reacting today, June 19, to the body’s report on International Religious Freedom or Belief which was launched a few days ago, the Presidency queried the body from the UK against the backdrop of it’s claim to believe in the importance of accurate, unbiased, depoliticised and truthful information when it comes to understanding the realities and addressing the challenges for those of faith in Nigeria.
The statement by the senior specialist assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said::”when uncritical attention is afforded to critics with dubious intentions, it only becomes harder for both the government and people of Nigeria to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve our differences, and uphold what is enshrined in our Constitution and laws: that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
“It is clear for all to see that there have, for generations in Nigeria, been tensions between our major religions, Christianity and Islam – and between herders and farmers – both for access to ever-decreasing arable and farmland due to a rapidly rising population, temperatures and desertification through global warming.
“Exacerbating those tensions, our nation has also been in recent times and focused within the northern states – subject to vicious and criminal attacks by the terror group Boko Haram.
“In concert with our American and British allies, Nigeria’s military have pushed back the terrorists and largely reduced their capacity over the last five years compared to the previous decade.
“Boko Haram have targeted Christians and Churches specifically because they know it drives forward religious and land tensions already existent in the country. Similarly, they attack mosques and Muslims in order to issue the threat: radicalise, or become targets yourselves.
“In the months and years ahead, our President who is Muslim and our Vice President who is an evangelical Christian pastor are irrevocably committed to addressing these multiple and long-term challenges for today’s and future generations. These include:
-Continuing and increasing Nigeria’s efforts alongside our allies to fully defeat and finally finish Boko Haram, in order to bring security to the north of the country.
-Continuing to seek, negotiate for, and secure the return of all those held hostage and in captivity by the terrorists, regardless of the religious faith or belief.
-Uniting our nation through dialogue organised around respect for difference in religion. Such a programme is already underway under the leadership of the Vice President, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo.
-Addressing, through Joint Federal and State Governments programmes, access to arable farmland – with land mandated both for farmers and herders. The federal government will issue detailed measures regarding this plan and its rollout in the coming weeks
-Countering fake news – particularly on social and digital media – by working with the non-partisan stakeholder community, the National Broadcasting Commission and social media platforms themselves, to address the proliferation of false and inflammatory commentary.
“The President and Government have and will at all times work with those – both within and without Nigeria – with a concern for the rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
“In this regard, we look forward to welcoming members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group to our country to see for themselves the work that is going on to promote these fundamental rights of our citizens.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed dissatisfaction with Services Chiefs in the country on the way they have been handling the security challenges, which keep growing by day.

He said that even though they have been trying their best to tackle the issue of insecurity in the country, but that their best is not good enough.

He made it clear to them at a meeting he held with them in the presidential villa, Abuja today, June 18, that excuses will no longer be tolerated.

He insisted that they should live up to expectations of Nigerians who are victims of almost daily attacks by all manners of criminals.

going forward.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Major General Babagana Mungonu, who spoke to the newsmen at the end of the meeting, said that the President also ordered him to meet with all northern governors, including that of Niger State, in other to know what the problems are and find solution.

The National Catholic Diocesan Priests Association, Jalingo Diocese, in Taraba State has blamed the Governor Darius Ishaku led administration for the escalation of killings in the State.

The Catholic body accused the state government of complacency in ending the crisis and addressing the plights of the people affected.

Addressing news men in Jalingo today, June 17, Chairman of the forum, Rev Fr. Ephraim Sani, said that the priests were saddened by the continued crisis in the state that has caused the death of many including a priest and the wanton destruction of property.

The Church noted that the administration of Darius Ishaku has not done enough to address the killings in the state, noting that human life in Taraba has become so cheap that it takes no second thought before life is wasted.

“It is unfortunate that even the rules of engagement in wars are no longer observed. Consequently, innocent children and defenceless women are today targets of murderous acts.

“The Taraba State government under Darius Ishaku, with the support of the Federal government should invest more time and resources in the security of the State.

“As the chief security officer of the state, we appeal to his good conscience and his paternal responsibility to constantly visit and ensure that adequate security personnel is deployed in the affected areas.

“In truth, we believe that not much has been done and there is a feeling of abandonment of the common people by the government.

“We must ask ourselves very pertinent questions. Is Taraba State government comfortable with the incessant and continuous crises in the State?

“Are we comfortable with the image of IDPs moving or running helter-skelter within the State during these clashes?

“Does it not disturb us that human lives are destroyed and trampled upon?” the Church queried.

The church called on the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state to play an active role in uniting the people, stressing that CAN must not be seen to be active only during elections.

While reiterating their commitment to pray for the security of the State and the country, the Church called on the warring factions to sheath their swords and respect the sanctity of human life.

When contacted, Special Adviser to Governor Darius Ishaku on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan-Abu, said that the government has noted the appeal of the Catholic Church.

“The appeal is for all those concerned to look into the crisis and the general security of the state and I want to call on stakeholders concerned to heed to the appeal.”

Source: Punch