AfriPulse
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has accused governors in Eastern Nigeria, particularly those in the South-East, of allegedly undermining Christianity through policies and actions it described as unfriendly to the faith.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Onitsha, the group specifically mentioned the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, alongside other governors in the region, including those of Edo, Delta, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Rivers, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. It alleged that their actions are gradually making the practice of Christianity difficult.
The group claimed that these developments are being driven by what it described as the intensification of “religiously unfriendly policies and actions,” as well as a lack of response from church leadership. It further alleged that some episcopal leaders across Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal denominations have remained silent, which it described as a “conspiracy of silence.”
According to Intersociety, the situation is particularly concerning given that Christianity accounts for over 95 per cent of the population in most Eastern states, especially in Igbo-speaking areas, where the religion has a long-standing history dating back to the 19th century. The group referenced the early introduction of Anglicanism in 1857 and Catholicism in 1885 in Onitsha as evidence of the faith’s deep roots in the region.
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It also highlighted the historical significance of Onitsha as a major centre of Christianity in Eastern Nigeria, noting the presence of key institutions such as the Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity and the Anglican Diocese on the Niger, both of which have played central roles in the spread of the faith.
The organisation expressed concern over what it described as a gradual decline in the protection and promotion of Christian religious practices, alleging that competing religious interests are receiving more attention and institutional support. It added that Christianity in the region now appears to be “living on its past glory.”
A major issue raised in the statement was the decision of the Anambra State Government to continue public school activities into the Holy Week ahead of the Good Friday public holiday. Intersociety criticised the move, stating that public schools should have been closed on Friday, March 27, 2026, to allow students and teachers to participate fully in religious observances associated with the Easter period.
The group noted that many private schools in the state had already closed on that date, enabling students to prepare spiritually for activities such as vigils, church services and other Holy Week programmes. It argued that the continued operation of public schools denied students and teachers the opportunity to engage in these important religious activities.
It further pointed out that teachers in the state civil service were also affected, as they were unable to participate in key events such as the Chrism Mass held on March 31, 2026, as well as Holy Thursday observances and other denominational activities.
Intersociety maintained that, given the strong Christian identity of the region and the personal religious affiliations of many political leaders, greater sensitivity should be shown in policies affecting religious observance.
Source: Sundiatapost.com | Read the Full Story…
