NEWS
GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI REAFFIRMS RELIGIOUS NEUTRALITY, ADDRESSES JEWISH COMMUNITY CONCERNS DURING COURTESY VISIT
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to maintaining religious neutrality, assuring that his government will not favour any faith or ethnic group in its policies or operations.
He gave the assurance on Friday while receiving members of the Judaism Fellowship Initiative, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commonwealth Jewish Council (CJC), London, Mr. Clive Lawton OBE, at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
During the engagement, Governor Otti responded to concerns raised by the visiting delegation regarding Nigeria’s general elections being conducted on Sabbath days, explaining that adjusting the national election timetable is a highly complex matter. He pointed out that different religions observe different worship days, making it practically impossible to design an election schedule that accommodates every faith tradition.
He advised Sabbath observers to participate in elections after their worship services pending any national review, emphasising that national elections are held only once every four years.
The Governor highlighted that his administration deliberately separates governance from religious considerations to avoid the divisions and conflicts that often arise when government decisions are influenced by faith-based or ethnic sentiments. He also noted that he only recently became aware of the presence of a Judaist community in Abia following their recent engagement with the government, assuring them that they would continue to receive fair and equal treatment just like every other faith-based group in the state.
On the delegation’s request for Judaism to be integrated into the school curriculum, Governor Otti explained that such inclusion depends largely on population interest and would require extensive consultation with stakeholders in the education sector. He reminded them that Christian and Islamic Religious Studies are already part of the public school curriculum, while aspects of other belief systems are incorporated into Civic Education.
Addressing their appeal for land, the Governor clarified that land allocation in Abia follows a formal application process and requires payment of statutory fees. He also made it clear that the State does not fund religious activities except Christian pilgrimages, adding that any new financial request from the group would only be considered in the next budget cycle, as the 2026 Appropriation Bill has already been presented.
Governor Otti further noted that issues involving all religious groups are channelled through the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Activities, and assured the delegation that their concerns would be duly attended to. He encouraged the visitors to explore Abia’s commercial hubs, purchase locally made products, and enjoy the hospitality the state is known for.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, Mr. Clive Lawton OBE, commended Governor Otti for championing an inclusive and pluralistic society where diverse religious identities coexist peacefully. He acknowledged the existence of Jewish communities within Abia and across Nigeria and praised the state for its reputation as a bridge-builder in matters of faith and community relations.
Mr. Lawton, however, expressed concerns over the unintended disenfranchisement of Jewish citizens due to elections being held on the Sabbath, and advocated for official recognition of the Jewish community within national and state frameworks.
He also emphasised the importance of introducing students to major world religions through curriculum development as a way of combating ignorance and misinformation.
Additionally, he requested the allocation of land in Abia for the establishment of a Jewish Centre for education and appealed for financial support to strengthen the institutional structures of the Jewish community.
The visit marks a significant step in ongoing interfaith engagement, reinforcing Abia State’s position as a home for peaceful coexistence and religious diversity under the
Otti administration.