Pascal Arogorn Ibe
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Nigeria will vigorously engage the U . S . government to remove it’ s name from its blacklist of countries over concern on religious freedom.
The Nigerian government has also expressed its displeasure to the U . S . government on this development.
Mr Ferdinand Nwonye , Spokesperson for the ministry , disclosed Nigeria ’ s position in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja , following the announcement of the U. S . adding Nigeria among countries of concerns against its Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
The foreign affairs ministry said Nigerian government remained committed to ensuring respect and protection of all citizens ’ right to religious freedom and promotion of religious tolerance and harmony.
“ The attention of the ministry has been drawn to an announcement made by the U. S . Secretary of State , Mike Pompeo, stating that the government of the United States of America has designated Nigeria as a ‘ country of concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998’ .
“ The Federal Government of Nigeria received the news with surprise , that a secular country under a democratic government will be so designated.
“ Although the Nigerian state is multi-religious and multi-ethnic, the Nigerian constitution expressly states that the government shall not adopt any religion as state religion.
“ Furthermore, section 38 of the constitution guarantees that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to freedom of thought , conscience and religion including freedom to change his/her religion or belief .
“ And freedom to manifest and propagate his/her religion or belief. Religious liberty in Nigeria has never been in question, therefore any claim contrary to that is completely false and untrue .
“ The ministry wishes to assure that the Nigerian government will engage the U . S government to express its displeasure and request that Nigeria be removed from the list, ” it said .
( NAN)
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