The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has strongly condemned the alleged harassment and persecution of traditional religious practitioners in Anambra State.
In a press release made available to Diaspora Digital Media, CEHRAWS accused the state government of violating the fundamental human rights of indigenous worshippers, guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
According to CEHRAWS, the reported invasions of traditional worship centers, desecration of deities, and intimidation of indigenous religious leaders are clear violations of Section 38(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of religion.
The organization also cited Section 10, which prohibits any state from adopting a religion as its official faith, and Section 42, which guarantees that no Nigerian shall suffer discrimination on the basis of religion or belief.
CEHRAWS Executive Director, Okoye Chuka Peter, called on the Anambra State Government to halt the alleged persecution and repeal any state policies that infringe upon religious freedom.
He also urged the government to engage in constructive dialogue with all religious communities to foster inclusivity and prevent religious conflicts.
The organization recommended that the government ensure any regulation of religious practices applies equitably across all faiths, without bias toward Christianity or any other religion.
CEHRAWS also called for covert intelligence operations to identify and prosecute criminal elements rather than demonizing an entire religious group.
This development comes amid concerns about the relationship between the church and state in Anambra State.
Research has shown that the influence of religious politics in the government of Anambra State has enormous consequences, including religious intolerance, discrimination, and fanaticism.
CEHRAWS urged the Federal Government, human rights organizations, and the judiciary to intervene before the situation escalates into full-scale religious persecution.
