Journalists in Nigeria urged to speak up, expose all forms of Christian persecution

ACI Africa, Jan 31, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

The vice chancellor of Nigeria’s Veritas University, a priest in the Awka Diocese, has encouraged journalists in the west African nation to expose Christian persecution, which is at its highest peak in the country.

In an interview with ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, on the sidelines of an event that members of St. Josephine Bakhita Community of Salesians of St. John Bosco organized to mark the feast of Don Bosco, Father Hyacinth Ementa Ichoku described persecution as an enduring feature of Christian history.

“Persecution has always been part of the Christian story, right from its inception. There’s no moment when believers are not being persecuted,” Ichoku told ACI Africa on Jan. 29.

“Persecution doesn’t always mean people are being killed,” he said. “When you deny people their rights because of their beliefs, that’s persecution. For instance, being denied a promotion at work or access to land for building a church, these are subtle yet significant forms of oppression.”

“When the government makes it a policy to persecute people because of their faith and beliefs, it becomes dangerous. Using the power of the state to target a group is a grave injustice,” he said.

Ichoku noted that persecution that goes unnoticed eventually becomes more heinous. “But if those who have a voice can give publicity to these injustices, it transforms the issue into a public concern that demands action,” he said.

“Christian journalists and media practitioners must see their job as a vocation that they need to use to expose any form of Christian persecution and any form of discrimination against the body of Christ. Media advocacy is important to bring to the fore the plights of Christians in Nigeria; don’t be silent in the face of persecution and oppression,” Ichoku said.

He faulted favoritism and advantage perceived to be given to the Islamic religion in the Nigerian governance system and the institutionalization of Sharia law using public funds, noting that Christians lack an equivalent framework or legal system. 

“The constitution provides for Sharia law, funded by taxpayers, yet Christians have no comparable legal system. This disparity is unfair and gives undue advantage to the Islamic religion,” he said.

To counter the imbalance, Ichoku, who was ordained a priest in 1988, proposed that Christians should advocate for the recognition of canon law as an official legal system. 

“Canon law predates Sharia law,” he asserted. “If Muslims can operate under Sharia, Christians should also have the right to use canon law as their legal system in Nigeria.”

Ichoku also called for greater unity among Christians to resist systemic oppression. He cautioned against complacency amid the widespread Christian persecution in Nigeria, saying: “If you keep retreating, they will keep advancing. At some point, Christians must stand their ground and assert their rights.”

Ichoku underscored the importance of creating common platforms for advocacy and ensuring that Christians do not cede their rights in the face of systemic challenges. 

“We need a united voice to say, ‘This doesn’t have to be.’ If we continue to allow the imposition of Sharia law without resistance, it will encroach further into areas where it does not belong,” he told ACI Africa.

Ichoku underlined the importance of resilience and advocacy, saying: “Christians must stand against persecution, whether it’s subtle or overt. We have a responsibility to defend our faith and our rights.” 

On the misconception that Catholics do not engage with the Bible, Ichoku said: “We read the Bible every day, particularly if you’re going to Mass. There’s no way you wouldn’t read at least two passages daily.” 

However, he acknowledged the need for greater individual devotion to Scripture outside liturgical settings. 

“I always like to encourage people, especially Catholics, to read the Bible more. It is to our advantage because being the word of God, it is the source of our nourishment,” Ichoku said.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.

Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/261911/journalists-in-nigeria-urged-to-speak-up-expose-all-forms-of-christian-persecution