ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government on Wednesday refrained from commenting on a proposed bill in the United States Congress alleging Christian persecution in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, declined to respond when asked to react to the legislative move and outline steps being taken to address concerns about religious violence in the country.
The proposed U.S. bill is said to focus on religious freedom conditions in Nigeria and has sparked discussions in diplomatic and policy circles.
Nigeria has repeatedly maintained that its security challenges are complex and not rooted in state-sponsored religious persecution.
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Authorities have attributed violence in different parts of the country to terrorism, banditry, communal clashes and other criminal activities affecting both Christians and Muslims.
The minister’s decision not to comment highlights the sensitivity surrounding the issue, particularly as Nigeria manages its diplomatic relations with the United States.
Civil society organisations and religious leaders have continued to call on the government to intensify efforts to curb violence, especially in parts of the North-Central and North-East regions.
As of press time, the Ministry of Information had not issued an official statement clarifying the Federal Government’s position on the proposed U.S. legislation.
The development is expected to fuel further debate over religious freedom concerns and the implications of foreign legislative actions on Nigeria’s internal security matters.