Renowned activist and legal practitioner, Adama Paul James, has raised alarm over the rising tide of online hostility targeting the Christian faith and its leaders in Nigeria. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, James condemned the surge in defamatory posts, baseless allegations, and malicious accusations spreading across social media platforms and blogs.
His comments come in the wake of the arrest and detention of Abraham Daniel, a former pastor turned atheist, along with two other suspects, on charges of defamation.
“These individuals have weaponized their platforms to spread false claims against the Church and its leaders, seeking to demean and discredit Christianity,” James stated.
He singled out Daniel, who identifies as a humanist, accusing him of a sustained campaign of insults and defamatory remarks against prominent clerics, and labeling Christianity as fraudulent.
James warned of the dangerous implications of these actions, describing them as reckless and capable of inciting religious tensions in an already volatile nation. “This blatant misuse of social media poses a serious threat to religious harmony and national peace,” he cautioned.
In response to the attacks, James revealed that he has taken legal action by petitioning relevant authorities. His efforts have led to the arrest of several individuals implicated in what he termed a “campaign of calumny” against the Church.
He commended the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their swift action in addressing the issue, emphasizing the need to uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and belief.
James cited Sections 38 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, alongside international human rights standards, which safeguard the peaceful practice of faith. He argued that the online attacks on Christianity represent a blatant violation of these provisions.
“I am fully committed to ensuring that such actions do not go unchecked. This is about protecting the sanctity of faith and preventing discord in our society,” James asserted.
Highlighting the broader issue of cyberbullying and social media misuse, James noted that the attacks on Christianity have fueled mockery and defamation, further dividing the nation. He described the situation as both insulting and harmful to societal harmony and tolerance.
“These blasphemous acts are not just an affront to Christians but a threat to peace and coexistence,” he said.
James called on security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute those who misuse social media to incite hatred and spread falsehoods. He clarified that his stance is not an attack on free speech but a defense against its abuse to promote intolerance and falsehoods.
Pledging to see the matter through to its conclusion, James vowed to hold perpetrators accountable. He also expressed concern about the impact of these attacks on younger generations, emphasizing the importance of preserving faith for future spiritual growth.
“This is not just about Christianity; it’s about fostering respect for all religions and ensuring the sanctity of belief in our society,” he concluded.
James reaffirmed his vision of a harmonious Nigeria where faith is respected, and the law is upheld to protect against the misuse of free speech.
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