US Hearing on Nigeria's CPC Status Sparks Controversy — Minister

The Nigerian Minister for Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, has rejected the recent U.S. public session regarding the p...

The Nigerian Minister for Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, has rejected the recent U.S. public session regarding the proposed reclassification of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, calling the process "deceptive and based on incorrect stories."

In response to the meeting organized by U.S. legislators, religious figures, and State Department representatives in Washington, as discussed on Politics Today via Channels TV, the minister stated that the hearing was based largely on "misleading assertions" that fail to represent Nigeria's religious freedom situation.

He claimed that reports stating Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria are "untrue, unjust, and lack credible evidence." He emphasized that Nigeria is a secular country that upholds the rights and liberties of all its citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

"The hearing did not offer a balanced view. It overlooked the intricacies of insecurity in Nigeria and did not acknowledge that victims of violence span across religious groups," the minister stated.

He mentioned that the government has continuously implemented measures to tackle security issues, encourage interfaith communication, and ensure that those responsible for violence—regardless of their religious background—are held accountable.

The minister also criticized what he called the "one-sided character" of the hearing, pointing out that Nigerian government representatives were neither invited nor allowed to provide factual information that could have challenged several of the assertions made during the session. He stated that this method "does not meet the expectations of a fair and impartial congressional investigation."

He cautioned that portraying Nigeria's intricate security problems as religious persecution reduces the matter to an oversimplified view and could exacerbate existing tensions.

"When external influences transform crime, piracy, and community conflicts into a religious conflict, they not only mislead their own population but also threaten initiatives aimed at fostering unity within the country," he stated.

The minister emphasized that the government has been increasing partnerships with religious leaders, security organizations, and community groups to enhance early-warning mechanisms, encourage harmonious living, and address new challenges. He mentioned that these initiatives have resulted in considerable advancements that were not recognized during the U.S. hearing.

He also dismissed what he referred to as the "use of false information as a weapon" by interest groups, stating that certain organizations frequently reuse old or incorrect reports to gain political influence in Washington. "Nigeria will not accept labels imposed by advocacy groups whose intentions are dubious and whose reports do not align with actual conditions on the ground," he further stated.

Reiterating Nigeria's dedication to positive interaction, the minister stated that the Federal Government is willing to engage in discussions with the United States but demands fairness, equilibrium, and acknowledgment of Nigeria's independence. "We encourage our counterparts in the U.S. Congress to use reliable information, impartial evaluations, and direct communication with Nigerian officials before forming judgments that may influence foreign policy," he mentioned.

He emphasized that Nigeria is dedicated to maintaining religious freedom, safeguarding communities, and enhancing national unity. "Any story implying the opposite is deceptive, harmful, and unacceptable," he stated.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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