Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has restated his administration’s commitment to religious neutrality, insisting that his government will continue to operate without favouring any faith or ethnic group.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Friday when he received members of the Judaism Fellowship Initiative, led by the President of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, London, Mr Clive Obe, at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
The Governor while responding to concerns raised by the delegation over general elections being held on the Sabbath, explained that adjusting Nigeria’s national election timetable was a complex matter.
He noted that various religions observe different worship days, which makes it difficult to devise a schedule that suits all faiths.
Governor Otti advised that, pending any national review, Sabbath observers could participate in elections after their worship services, since the exercise takes place only once every four years.
The Governor noted that his administration deliberately distances governance from religious considerations in order to prevent the conflicts and divisions often associated with faith-based or ethnic sentiments.
Governor Otti added that he only recently became aware of the Judaist Community’s presence in Abia following their engagement with his government and assured them that they would receive fair and equal treatment like all other faith based groups in the State.
On the delegation’s request for Judaism to be included in the school curriculum, Governor Otti explained that such a move would depend on population interest and would require broad consultations with relevant Education stakeholders.
He noted that Christian and Islamic religious studies are already taught in public schools, while aspects of other belief systems may be addressed through Civic Education.
Addressing their request for land, the Governor clarified that land allocation in the State follows a formal application process and the payment of statutory fees.
He also explained that the State does not fund religious activities except Christian pilgrimages, adding that any new financial proposal from the group could only be considered during the next budget cycle, as the 2026 appropriation bill has already been presented.
Governor Otti highlighted that the Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Activities is responsible for handling issues related to all religious groups and stands ready to attend to any concerns from the Judaist Community.
He encouraged the visitors to explore Abia’s markets, patronise locally made products, and enjoy the state’s hospitality during their stay.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Commonwealth Jewish Council (CJC), London, Mr. Clive Lawton Obe, commended Governor Otti for fostering an inclusive and pluralistic society that accommodates diverse religious identities.
The Chairman acknowledged the presence of Jewish communities within Abia State and across Nigeria and commended the State’s reputation as a “bridge-builder” in matters of faith and community relations.
He however, raised concerns on the unintended disenfranchisement of Jewish citizens due to national elections being conducted on Sabbath day and the need for official recognition of the Jewish community within National and State frameworks.
The Chairman further stressed the importance of curriculum development that introduces students to major world religions as a means of combating ignorance and countering misinformation.
He requested for the allocation of land within Abia State to establish a Jewish Centre for education, provision of financial support to strengthen the institutional foundations of the Jewish community among others.
