Gov. Ortom Advocates For Better Protection Of Religious Freedom In Nigeria

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has advocated that citizens of Nigeria should be allowed greater religious freedom and other human rights.

The Governor stated this while addressing Nigerians in Diaspora and friends of Nigeria at the Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB), International Ministerial Fringe Events on Nigeria organized by Para-Mallam Peace Foundation and the International Peace-Building and Social Justice in the United Kingdom.

He expressed that freedom was humanity’s most valuable commodity and must not be contested.

“It is for this reason that every just and progressive society must uphold certain freedoms for all people as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human rights, the international covenant on civil and political rights, the constitutions of most nations, including Nigeria and other rights’ documents,” he defended.

While questioning the state of freedom in Nigeria, Governor Ortom emphasized that freedom of religion and belief was all-important since it ensures that every individual has the right to worship in peace as well as, change religion or belief at any time without the fear of persecution.

The Governor also decried the activities of terrorists in Nigeria, alleging that the country was under siege and that bombing Churches and killing the clergy and worshippers were meant to send fear into the living to restrict their religious freedom.

He challenged Nigerians in the Diaspora to use the international environment with its free press to draw attention to problems in their country and speak against religious extremism.

The Governor urged the International Organization for Peace-Building and Social justice (PSJ UK), organizers of the International Ministerial Fringe Events on Nigeria, and other organizations with like-minded objectives to use their voices to ensure the federal government of Nigeria lives up to its constitutional responsibilities of promoting and upholding Nigeria’s status in words and in actions.

Responding, 85-year-old Baroness Caroline Cox, a member of Parliament (House of Lords) observed that the invitation to Governor Ortom to address such an important gathering was justified as his voice on topical issues in Nigeria had gained international recognition.

Cox assured participants that she would explore ways of ensuring that education and healthcare are prioritised for the displaced persons.

She however lamented that the British government reports on problems affecting Nigeria are too mild and far from reality, saying, the report so far with the government was not adequate, and thanked independent researchers and other public-spirited organizations who have taken the responsibility of unearthing the truth about happenings in Nigeria.

Cox gave the assurance that such reports will convince the British government to adopt policies that would help vulnerable people in Nigeria get international attention and justice at home.