The scourge of attacks on religions on social media has become a source of major concern to both Christian and muslim youths in Nigeria. Consequently, the concerned Nigerian youths wanted relevant authorities to intensify the fight against cyberbullying across the country.
They made the call during a press conference in Abuja on Monday. The concerned Christian and Muslim youths were of the opinion that when attacks on Christianity and indeed other religions on social media are left unchecked, it portends a great danger for the country.
Speaking at the press briefing, the convener, James Paul Adama, said; “I am deeply concerned about the recent scourge of disparaging statements, libelous claims, and malicious attacks directed at the Christian faith and revered clerics by certain individuals on social media platforms and blogs.
“These individuals have consistently used their platforms to launch baseless allegations against the Church and its leaders, seeking to demean and drag the Christian faith into disrepute.
“We found the foundation of our existence as Christians and our hope for the future both in this world and the one thereafter threatened by the unwarranted attacks against our spiritual leaders and we can not sit idle and watch some malicious elements attack their reputation with the aim of confusing the minds of their followers.
“Their actions thus far constitute cyberbullying and they are directed at the Church and men of God. Churches like the Catholic Church, Redeemed Christian Church of God and their their General Overseer, the highly Revered Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the Living Faith Church and their Revered President, Bishop David Oyedepo, the Deeper Life Bible Church and their Founder and General Overseer, Pastor W.F Kumuyi, the Christ Embassy Church and their General Overseer, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the Dunamis International Gospel Center, and their Senior Pastor, Dr. Paul Enenche, among others.
“These are the very people we receive the gospel of hope and salvation from,” he stated.
Speaking further, Adama said: “I will not sit idly, while a few disgruntled elements seek to drag the Christian faith into the mud or sow seeds of discord in our nation. To this end, I am determined to pursue this matter to its logical conclusion, leaving no stone unturned to hold perpetrators accountable.”
On his part, Shauibu Abdulkadir said: “We are only calling on every individual not to play or jeopardize anybody’s faith, for that reason, we call on every Nigerian youth to desist from all these social media insults on our faith.”
He commended the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their prompt actions and urged them to remain resolute in addressing the issue.
“I remind the public that Sections 38 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as international human rights standards to which Nigeria is a signatory, guarantee freedom of religion and belief and the peaceful practice of faith.
“The targeted attacks on Christianity and its clerics constitute a gross violation of these provisions. I am fully committed to ensuring that such attacks do not go unchecked.
“I call on all relevant authorities, including the Police, DSS, and other security agencies, to spare no effort in identifying and prosecuting those who misuse social media to incite religious tension and propagate lies against the Church and its clerics.
“To be clear, this is not a battle against free speech but against the abuse of free speech to promote hatred, falsehood, and religious intolerance. The law is unambiguous: anyone making defamatory or inciting statements must be prepared to substantiate them,” Adama emphasised.
They noted that attack on any faith in Nigeria should be condemned in its entirety to pave the way for peace and meaningful development in the country.
The facilitator advised social media content creators to effectively use their platforms to promote peace and unity.
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