Reps express fear over religious freedom status of Nigeria

THE House of Representatives has expressed displeasure over the recent report which put Nigeria as one of the leading countries where rights to religious freedom is threatened.

To this end, the House has resolved to appraise the 2017 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) with the view to address various concerns raised by the Commission.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan Commission created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act responsible for monitoring of religious freedom around the world and advise Congress on actions to take against countries where religious freedom are threatened.

The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum and 11 other lawmakers on the ‘Need to appraise the report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom on increasing threat to freedom of religion in Nigeria”.

The lawmaker observed that the Commission in its 2017 report, “moved Nigeria to tier one group, from tier two which meant that threats to rights to religious freedom are increasing in Nigeria which is now officially regarded by the United States Government as being in the same league with Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Sudan, Russia, Eritrea, China, Syria and Tajikistan.

“The House is aware that among others, the clash between the Army and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, the activities of the Boko Haram sect, the herdsmen attacks in the Middle-Belt and other areas, the killing of a female preacher in Abuja, demolition of churches in some States and the increasing abduction of women and girls are among the factors that influenced the Commission’s report.

“The House is also aware that the law establishing the Commission requires the President of the United States to take actions designed to improve religious freedom in countries where there have been violations of religious freedom.

“The House is further aware that possible actions to be taken by the USA Government in accordance with this law include making officials responsible for infractions of religious rights inadmissible into the United States, restriction on assistance to such countries, including military, scientific, among others,” the Taraba lawmaker noted.

While ruling on the motion, Speaker Yakubu Dogara mandated the Committee on Human Rights to appraise the findings of USCIRF as it affects Nigeria and interface with the Government and other stakeholders, including holding a public hearing to determine the extent, if any, of these infractions of religious rights and report back within six weeks for further legislative action.