Richmond C. Amadi is an independent journalist, Book Publisher, member of RSU Alumni, Researcher (currently researching with Researchgate.net), Writer, Motivational Speaker. He is a BSc Holder in Office and Information Management, and Diploma holder in Management all from Rivers State University. Currently doing his MSc with RSU. Contact him on Richmond.amadi@ust.edu.ng or Amadirichmondc@gmail.com All Social Platforms: @amadirichmondc
The United States’ government has included Nigeria in a blacklist of nations that have been involved in a violation of religious freedom.
Countries unfortunate to be designated include China, Burma, Eritrea, and Turkmenistan, Scannews24 had sight in the list.
Others added were the DPRK, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi and Arabia “as countries of concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for engaging systematic, ongoing, egregious religious freedom violations”
Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State had tweeted Monday 7, 2020 to announce the disturbing report.
Referring to the action as a moral and national security imperative, Pompeo noted that the countries’ enlistment is to help protect and ensure the prosperity of Americans at home.
In his words: “Upholding the right to religious freedom is a moral and national security imperative. Where religious freedom is absent, terrorism and violence fester. Our advocacy for religious communities abroad helps to ensure the protection and prosperity of Americans at home.
He maintained that the US is unwavering and committed to religious freedom, adding that no country would be allowed to persecute its citizens with impunity against their beliefs.
“The US is unwavering in its commitment to religious freedom. No country or entity should be allowed to persecute people with impunity because of their beliefs. These annual designations show that when religious freedom is attacked, we will act.”
This is unfolding a year after the US government placed Nigeria on a Special Watch List.
