Faith Leaders Urged to Promote Religious Freedom in Northern Nigeria

By Tgnews Reporter

The Country Director of Faith and Freedom Africa, Felix Joseph Samari, has stressed that respect for religious freedom remains critical to achieving lasting peace and unity in Northern Nigeria.

Samari made this known during the inauguration ceremony of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) in Adamawa State, themed: “Religious Freedom and the Future of Peace in Northern Nigeria.”

Speaking at the event, Samari explained that Faith and Freedom Africa is committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief as a fundamental human right guaranteed by both international and Nigerian laws.

According to him, every individual has the constitutional right to practice any religion of choice without fear, intimidation, discrimination, or coercion.

“What we promote is the understanding that religion is a right, and everyone has the right to practice his religion either alone or in a group. This is according to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution,” he said.

He noted that Nigerians must understand that religious diversity should not be a source of hatred or division, stressing that people of different faiths deserve equal treatment and protection under the law.

“Someone who does not belong to your religion is not less of a human being or less of a citizen than you. Everybody has the right to belong to the religion of his choice,” Samari added.

The Faith and Freedom Africa Director further emphasized that Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, gender, or other social differences.

He said citizens whose rights are violated have the legal backing to seek justice in competent courts.

Samari described the campaign for religious freedom as a major responsibility for both civil society groups and government institutions, calling on authorities to ensure adequate protection for all citizens regardless of their faith.

“It is the responsibility of government to ensure that everyone is protected and allowed to practice his religion either alone or in a group,” he stated.

He also highlighted the vital role of the media in promoting tolerance, awareness, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

According to him, continuous public enlightenment on religious freedom is already yielding positive results across the country.

“We are winning because we are talking about it. The more we continue to create awareness, the more people understand that religion is a right and no one should be killed because he has a different opinion or belief,” Samari said.

The inauguration ceremony attracted religious leaders, civil society stakeholders, and community members committed to fostering peace, tolerance, and religious harmony in Northern Nigeria.