OLAWEPO-HASHIM PRESENTS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, SECURITY PLAN TO US CONGRESS
Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has presented a comprehensive religious freedom and security proposal to the United States Congress and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities and tackle religious persecution in Nigeria.
In a policy brief submitted ahead of a US House hearing on Nigeria, Olawepo-Hashim proposed a new law to criminalise religious persecution, hate incitement and the forced displacement of communities.
He argued that protecting the right of every Nigerian to practise their religion freely should become a central part of the country’s national security and conflict prevention strategy.
The presidential hopeful acknowledged that Christians in parts of northern and central Nigeria had suffered attacks, including the burning of churches, killing of pastors and destruction of communities.
However, he warned against presenting Nigeria’s religious crisis solely as a conflict between Christians and Muslims, noting that Shia Muslims, minority Islamic groups and some Hausa Muslim communities also experience persecution and discrimination.
He said the country needed an inclusive approach that recognised all victims of religious violence, regardless of their faith or ethnic background.
PROPOSED SECURITY AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM MEASURES
Olawepo-Hashim outlined several measures he would pursue if elected president in 2027.
Among his proposals is a National Religious Freedom for Conflict Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism Act, which he said he would seek to introduce within 180 days of assuming office.
He also proposed establishing an independent national commission with offices across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The commission would investigate reported attacks within 30 days, publish its findings and oversee compensation for victims.
The Accord Party candidate further proposed convening a national summit within his first 90 days in office, bringing together the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Shia leaders, Hausa cultural representatives, victims, women, young people and internally displaced persons.
Another major component of his proposal is the establishment of a National Guard to protect vulnerable villages, farms, schools and places of worship.
He said his broader security programme would also facilitate the return of displaced persons and the reconstruction of communities affected by violence in states including Kebbi, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna and Borno.
CALLS FOR US-NIGERIA SECURITY PARTNERSHIP
Olawepo-Hashim also called on the United States to partner with Nigeria in organising an international conference on security in Nigeria and the Sahel within the first 100 days of his proposed presidency.
The conference, according to him, would involve the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, the United States and other international partners.
Discussions would focus on religious freedom, intelligence sharing, border security, conflict prevention and combating violent extremism.
He also linked religious freedom to the credibility of the 2027 general elections, warning that political intimidation, incitement and electoral malpractice could worsen existing divisions.
He urged the United States to support Nigeria’s electoral process through international observation, technical assistance to INEC and engagement with civil society organisations.
However, he stressed that international support should not amount to interference in Nigeria’s choice of leadership.
Olawepo-Hashim maintained that Nigeria must take the lead in addressing its security challenges while working with international partners to protect citizens and prevent further violence.
