Veritas University Vice-Chancellor Urges Journalists to Expose Christian Persecution in Nigeria

The Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s Veritas University has called on journalists to shed light on the increasing persecution of Christians in the country.

Speaking in an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of an event organized by the St. Josephine Bakhita Community of the Salesians of St. John Bosco to mark the feast of Don Bosco, Fr. Hyacinth Ementa Ichoku emphasized that persecution has always been a part of Christian history.

“Persecution has been an enduring feature of Christianity from its inception. There has never been a time when believers were not persecuted,” Fr. Ichoku said on Wednesday, January 29.

He clarified that persecution does not always involve physical violence. “When people are denied their rights because of their beliefs, that too is persecution. For instance, being denied a promotion at work or access to land to build a church are subtle yet significant forms of oppression,” he explained.

Fr. Ichoku warned that government policies targeting people based on their faith create a dangerous precedent. “When the state uses its power to persecute a group, it becomes a grave injustice,” he said.

He also stressed that unchallenged persecution tends to escalate. “If those with a voice bring these injustices to public attention, they become matters of public concern that demand action,” he stated.

Calling for greater media advocacy, he urged Christian journalists and media practitioners to use their platforms to highlight acts of persecution and discrimination against Christians. “Your work is a vocation—do not remain silent in the face of oppression,” he urged.

Fr. Ichoku criticized the perceived favoritism towards Islam in Nigeria’s governance, particularly the use of public funds to institutionalize Sharia law while Christians lack an equivalent legal framework.

“The constitution allows for Sharia law, funded by taxpayers, yet there is no similar recognition of Canon Law for Christians. This disparity is unfair and grants undue advantage to Islam,” he observed.

As a solution, Fr. Ichoku, who was ordained in 1988, suggested that Christians advocate for the official recognition of Canon Law.

“Canon Law predates Sharia Law,” he pointed out. “If Muslims can operate under Sharia, Christians should also have the right to use Canon Law as a legal system in Nigeria.”

He also called for greater Christian unity in resisting systemic oppression.

“If you keep retreating, they will keep advancing,” he cautioned. “At some point, Christians must stand their ground and assert their rights.”

Fr. Ichoku emphasized the need for collective advocacy to prevent further encroachment. “We need a unified voice to declare, ‘This does not have to be.’ If we allow Sharia law to expand unchallenged, it will continue to spread into areas where it does not belong,” he warned.

Encouraging resilience and advocacy, he stated, “Christians must oppose persecution, whether it is subtle or overt. We have a duty to defend our faith and our rights.”

Addressing the common misconception that Catholics do not engage with the Bible, Fr. Ichoku countered the claim, noting, “Catholics read the Bible daily, especially during Mass, where at least two passages are read.”

However, he acknowledged the importance of personal Scripture study beyond liturgical settings.

“I always encourage people, especially Catholics, to read the Bible more. It is to our benefit, as the Word of God is our source of spiritual nourishment,” he said.

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