Port Harcourt – In a strong critique of the government’s official narrative, Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has called on the Federal Government to make a “necessary U-turn” and acknowledge that terrorist groups are deliberately targeting Christians in Nigeria.
This call comes in response to recent statements from Nigerian officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, who dismissed claims of Christian persecution, describing the nation’s crisis as “general insecurity” and “terrorism without religious bias.”
The professor’s office, in a statement issued by Nuhu Agum of PMACO, highlighted a contradiction in the government’s position. It pointed to a 2020 report where the Federal Government itself admitted that “terrorists are now targeting Christians,” a stance that has since been reversed in recent international communications.
Professor Adesanya-Davies argued that this denial “undermines the credibility of the administration’s counter-terrorism efforts and downplays the real pain experienced by Christian communities.”
The statement outlined key reasons for the government to change its approach, emphasizing that an honest admission is crucial for:
· Governance Credibility: Maintaining domestic and international trust.
· Equal Protection: Ensuring fair security for all citizens.
· Effective Strategy: Enabling a security response that addresses the terrorists’ religious motives.
· National Healing: Fostering reconciliation by acknowledging the suffering of all victims.
The recommendations to the Federal Government include issuing an official admission, forming an independent commission to document faith-based attacks, providing special security for vulnerable churches, and ensuring transparency in reporting victim data.
The statement concluded that such a “U-turn” would be a display of “courage, leadership and commitment to all citizens,” paving the way for a more effective and just security strategy.
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Disclaimer: This article summarizes a public statement issued by the office of Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies. The views, opinions, and analyses expressed are those of the author and are not endorsed by CDA News. The claims regarding targeted persecution have been disputed by the Nigerian government. Readers are encouraged to consult multiple sources for a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue.
