Witness narrates how Ex-HoS, allies diverted public funds to private companies in court
FG denies allegations of religious freedom violation
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Federal Government has denied allegations by the United States that Nigeria engages in religious freedom violation.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed in a statement on Tuesday, as reported by NAN, said Nigeria did not have a policy of religious persecution.
He stated that the allegation was an honest disagreement between the two nations on the causes of violence in Nigeria.
“Nigeria does not engage in religious freedom violation, neither does it have a policy of religious persecution.
“Victims of insecurity and terrorism in the country are adherents of Christianity, Islam and other religions.” he said.
The minister added that the country “jealously protects religious freedom as enshrined in the country’s constitution and takes seriously any infringements in this regard”.
The U.S., on Monday, for the first time, had placed Nigeria on a religious freedom blacklist.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern’’ for religious freedom, alongside nations that include China, Iran, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.
Pompeo, however, did not elaborate on the reasons for including Nigeria on the list.
