Anambra Central LP Candidate Urges FG Action as EU Parliament Condemns Killings of Christians in Nigeria
By Chizoba Njaka
The Labour Party candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Ven. Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue, has praised the European Parliament for passing a resolution condemning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. He also called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to end the violence, especially in the Middle Belt region.
In a statement issued on July 9, by the Director of Media and Communications of the TSI Senatorial Campaign Council, Comrade Uche Kalu, Ven. Ikezue described the ongoing killings of Christians in parts of the country as deeply troubling. He noted that the European Parliament’s overwhelming 501-to-1 vote reflected the gravity of the crisis and the need for immediate intervention.
According to Cleric, communities in Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, and parts of Taraba, Nasarawa and Niger States continue to experience attacks, displacement and the destruction of places of worship. He said this has made the Middle Belt the epicentre of the violence.
The LP candidate also criticized what he termed the silence of many Christian members of the National Assembly. He expressed disappointment that some lawmakers seeking re-election have failed to publicly condemn the attacks and the destruction of churches.
Ven. Ikezue said the persistent violence was part of what motivated him to run for office, stating that he wants to be “a voice for the body of Christ in Nigeria.”
He urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to strengthen security in affected areas, ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of those behind religious violence, and provide more humanitarian aid to displaced persons. He further called for the rebuilding of destroyed communities.
The senatorial hopeful also asked government to work with religious leaders, traditional rulers and civil society groups to address the root causes of the crisis and promote lasting peace.
“Silence in the face of bloodshed is not an option. As a nation founded on freedom of worship, Nigeria must defend the right of every citizen, Christian, Muslim or otherwise, to live without fear of persecution,” he said.
Ven. Ikezue pledged that if elected to represent Anambra Central in the Senate, he would use his position to push for better security, justice and the protection of religious freedom for all Nigerians.