US CPC Status: Imam on Inside sources blasts FG for negligence

Imam Fuad Adeyemi, National Chief Imam and Executive Director of the Al Habibiyah Islamic Society (AIS), has condemned the Nigerian government’s handling of religious freedom issues following the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV on Friday, Imam Adeyemi described […]

Imam Fuad Adeyemi, National Chief Imam and Executive Director of the Al Habibiyah Islamic Society (AIS), has condemned the Nigerian government’s handling of religious freedom issues following the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV on Friday, Imam Adeyemi described the designation as a clear indication of government negligence and a failure to proactively address religious conflicts and security challenges in the country.

“As a nation, we have a challenge. Why do I say so? We are supposed to be attending to issues on time, not when it turns cancerous,” he stated. Imam Adeyemi explained that the CPC designation is not arbitrary but follows a sequence based on annual assessments. “Because, for the American government to declare a particular country as a Country of Particular Concern, it has a sequence. It’s because we have not been serious. We’ve not been doing the right thing.”

He pointed out that the US Commission on Religious Freedom releases a report every year around April, which includes evaluations of countries, recommendations, and necessary actions governments should take. “The report was there since April. I do not know whether government do not know those who are reading. I do not know whether they do not know those who are following the security that is happening in the world.”

Imam Adeyemi also referenced a recent report titled American Security Approach, released just a week prior, underscoring that these assessments should serve as early warnings to nations like Nigeria. He stressed the meaning of the CPC label: “What does Country of Particular Concern mean? For example, they say when the government is not doing enough to protect a particular religion.”

Had the Nigerian government taken the April report seriously and acted proactively, Imam Adeyemi argued, the CPC designation could have been avoided. “Ordinarily, had it been when the report was out, the Nigerian government would have been proactive. What is happening now, I see it as negligence from our government.”

Calling for systemic change, the National Chief Imam advocated for the creation of a dedicated office to manage religious affairs and monitor interfaith matters. “That is why I have been canvassing that there is need for an office that will warehouse all things about religion in this country. We cannot underplay religion whether we like it or not.”

Imam Fuad Adeyemi’s comments shine a spotlight on the urgent need for Nigeria to address religious tensions decisively and to develop robust institutional frameworks for protecting religious freedom. His views highlight the broader implications of the US designation, framing it as a wake-up call for the government to prioritize national security and social cohesion before issues escalate beyond control.

As Nigeria faces ongoing challenges related to religious violence and insecurity, the government’s response to this international rebuke could be a pivotal moment in shaping its future approach to religious tolerance and national unity.