Friday March 25th, 2005
Dialogue: Yahweh community seeks recognition
By Tokunbo Oloruntola
News Editor, Lagos
The community of Yahweh worldwide has pleaded with the ongoing National Political Reforms Conference to recognise it as a distinct religious body.
The community, consisting of Nigerians and foreigners domicile in Nigeria who worship God on Saturday, said government was violating the constitutional rights of its over three million members nationwide to freedom of worship.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos on Thursday, the community’s Deputy General Overseer, Cohen Chukwunwem Amakaeze, said the holding of monthly sanitation exercise, national examinations and national, states and local government elections on Saturdays marginalised its members in scheme of things in the country.
Amakaeze said due to its unique religious tenets the community should be recognised as a distinct religious entity to enable its members participate more effectively in the nation building.
Among others, he said the community’s members nationwide should be allowed free passage to their places of worship on Saturdays during monthly sanitation exercise.
“Our position is that this group should be recognised for what they are and accord the same recognition given to the Supreme Islamic Council of Nigeria and Christian Association of Nigeria in participating at fora where matters affecting religion in this country are discussed,” he explained.
Amakaeze said in the past, the community had petitioned various government and appropriate authorities on its grievances without any feedback.
He was optimistic that the Abuja conference would facilitate the recognition of the community.
The community, based in Enugu, with branches nationwide, commended President Olusegun Obasanjo for organising the conference.
“It is a laudable move by President Obasanjo to allow Nigerians to talk,” he said.
