The Northern Christian Association (CAN) in the 19 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has commended the swift clarification by the Zamfara Government on the alleged forceful conversion of a lady to Christianity, while urging for vigilance and synergy on religious matters.
The Northern CAN acknowledged the public statement by the Zamfara State Government debunking reports concerning the alleged subsequent arraignment of Zainab Muhamadu before a Shari’ah Court over the religious conversion.
The Northern CAN Chairman, Reverend Joseph Hayab, and Secretary General, Bishop Muhammed Naga, in a statement on Thursday, commended the government’s swift response in addressing the concerns raised and providing clarification that no such case currently exists before any Shari’ah court in the state.
Besides, the Northern CAN leaders further explained that the statement from the Grand Khadi, as well as contributions from the Director-General of Hisbah and various security agencies, have helped douse tension and offer clarity on a matter that could have easily escalated into a national crisis.
“While we welcome this clarification, we emphasise that should any credible information surface in the future, it must be treated with the same level of urgency, transparency, and accountability.
“For now, based on the assurances provided by the Zamfara State Government and the stated confirmation that no crime has been committed for exercising the right to freedom of religion, Christians across the country should take note that no arraignment involving Miss Zainab is currently underway. This, for now, puts the matter to rest — unless and until verified facts indicate otherwise.
“We further commend the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and his team, as well as traditional rulers, youth leaders, religious figures, and security agencies in Zamfara State for their cooperation and maturity in handling the situation. Their collective efforts in seeking the truth and maintaining peace deserve recognition.
“CAN continues to appeal to security agencies nationwide to remain vigilant and thoroughly investigate any reports of religious rights violations as this is essential to prevent misinformation, protect the rights of all citizens, and preserve our nation’s fragile peace,” the Northern CAN statement stressed.
The Christian leaders in the North also called “for stronger synergy between Northern State Governments and religious bodies such as CAN, as constructive engagement and mutual understanding will ensure that issues of this nature are addressed before rumours are allowed to spread and confuse the public.
“To Christians in the North and across the nation, we assure you that CAN remains committed to uncovering the truth wherever it is hidden. We will not relent in our efforts to expose and bring an end to all forms of religious persecution and harassment in the region.
“We reaffirm our commitment to working with security agencies and leaders of other faiths in finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s many challenges, and we urge all Christians to remain calm, law-abiding, and prayerful. CAN will continue to stand for peace, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians to freely practice their faith.”
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
