The Judaism Fellowship Initiative (JFI), umbrella body of Nigeria’s Jewish community, has distanced itself from the Eastern Judaism and Jewish Communities group operating in the South-East.
Chief Arthur-Regis Odidika, President of JFI, made this clarification on Monday in Awka while reacting to a publication titled “Judaism Adherents in South-East Plead with Tinubu to Release Kanu, Pray for His Health.”
The report claimed that the group held a prayer session in Abia State and urged President Bola Tinubu to use his prerogative powers to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Odidika, who also serves as Vice-President of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, Africa (Nigeria), said JFI had no connection with the group or its activities.
He explained that while the fellowship did not oppose expressions of concern for any individual, including Kanu, Judaism as a faith should not be mixed with political, social, or economic causes.
“Even though Mazi Nnamdi Kanu professes the Jewish faith, the Judaism Fellowship Initiative of Nigeria is not associated with any separatist movement,” he said.
Odidika also dismissed claims regarding the existence of a so-called Biafra National Rabbi.
He stated that JFI is a duly registered Incorporated Trustee with the Corporate Affairs Commission and that none of the individuals identified as leaders of the Eastern Judaism group were known to the organisation.
“Judaism in Nigeria has nothing to do with IPOB or any political agitation. Separatist pressure is not the agenda or pursuit of the Judaic faith in Nigeria. We want to state clearly that JFI has no relationship or affiliation with these individuals, though we have no authority to stop their activities,” he said.
Odidika reaffirmed JFI’s commitment to peace, mutual understanding, and harmonious coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse regions and religions.
He further announced that Mr Clive Lawton, Head of the Jewish Communities of the Commonwealth Nations, is expected to visit Nigeria in November.
According to him, the visit would mark a new chapter in the growth of Judaism in the country.
“I believe the visit will usher in unprecedented light and open various opportunities for Jewish economic, social, and cultural advancement in Nigeria,” he added.
(NAN)