Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has restated his administration’s commitment to religious neutrality, saying that government policies are structured to accommodate all religious faiths without discrimination.
Governor Otti made this known on Friday when members of the Judaism Fellowship Initiative led by the President of Commonwealth Jewish Council, London, Mr Clive Lawton, OBE (Order of the British Empire), visited him in his office.
Governor Otti addressed their concerns about holding elections on the Sabbath, explaining that changing Nigeria’s election timetable is complex because different religions observe different worship days.
He said that elections come once every four years, adding that Sabbath observers could vote after service, pending a National decision on the matter.
Governor Otti said that his administration keeps religion out of governance to avoid conflicts typically triggered by religious or ethnic divides, adding that he became aware of the Jewish community’s presence in Abia following their engagement and assured them of equal treatment.
On their request for land, the Governor said that the process was open to all groups through formal application and payment of statutory fees. He clarified that the State does not fund religious activities except for pilgrimages.
The State Chief Executive urged the visitors to explore Abia markets, patronise local products and enjoy the State’s hospitality.
Earlier, the President of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, London, Mr Clive Lawton, OBE, described Governor Otti as a bridge builder and expressed confidence in his commitment to promoting understanding among faith communities.
He said that the Jewish communities in Nigeria generally live peacefully with their neighbours, but suffer from limited public awareness about their history and practices.
Mr Lawton noted that the Jewish Fellowship Initiative (JFI), the umbrella body for Jewish communities in the country, had also expressed concern over elections being held on Saturdays, which makes participation difficult for Jews who observe the Sabbath.
“The lack of official recognition of Judaism as a religious community has contributed to such challenges and limited engagement with government”, Mr Lawton stated.
He appealed to the government for a plot of land in Abia for a Jewish Centre, financial support similar to what is extended to Christian and Muslim pilgrims, and the appointment of a government officer to liaise with the Jewish community.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, SA to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Pastor K. C. Wiper and other senior Government appointees.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
28 – 11 – 2025.
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