By Enitan Abel Johngold Orheruata
A senatorial aspirant for Delta North, Ojogbo, has pledged to sponsor legislation aimed at strengthening religious freedom, equality before the law and constitutional supremacy if elected to represent the district at the National Assembly.
Speaking to the people of Aniocha North and Delta North, Ojogbo said Nigeria’s religious diversity must be protected within the framework of the 1999 Constitution, stressing that no religious belief should take precedence over the nation’s supreme law.
Under the theme “No Faith Above the Constitution,” Ojogbo described the Constitution as more than a legal document, calling it a binding covenant between the Nigerian people and their government.
He drew attention to constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of thought, conscience and religion, prohibiting religious discrimination and establishing the supremacy of the Constitution over other laws.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic future depends on preserving these guarantees and ensuring that citizens can practise their faith without fear of discrimination, coercion or unequal treatment.
Respect for Sharia, protection from coercion
Ojogbo acknowledged the place of Sharia within Nigeria’s constitutional framework, particularly for Muslims who freely choose to submit to Islamic principles through constitutionally recognised institutions.
He, however, argued that respect for Sharia must not be interpreted as a justification for imposing religious laws or practices on citizens who do not subscribe to Islam.
He maintained that the same constitutional principle that protects the right of Muslims to practise their faith must also protect Christians and adherents of other religions from religious coercion.
“Respect for Sharia must never mean coercion for those who do not profess Islam,” he stated, arguing that every Nigerian should have the freedom to live according to his or her conscience within the boundaries of the Constitution.
Bill for Religious Freedom and Equal Justice
As part of his legislative agenda, Ojogbo pledged to sponsor a Bill for the Protection of Religious Freedom and Equal Justice.
He said the proposed legislation would translate existing constitutional guarantees into stronger statutory protections for citizens, particularly in matters involving religion, justice and individual liberties.
Among the key provisions he proposed are freedom of choice in judicial matters, allowing citizens to choose between secular and constitutionally recognised religious judicial avenues where applicable and where they freely consent.
The proposed bill would also provide for neutral federal adjudication in interfaith disputes, with the aim of ensuring that disputes involving people of different religious backgrounds are handled fairly and without religious bias.
Another proposed provision would protect citizens against religious coercion, ensuring that no Nigerian is compelled to observe religious restrictions or practices that conflict with his or her personal faith.
Ojogbo also proposed stronger enforcement of the constitutional supremacy clause, particularly where state laws or regulations are inconsistent with provisions of the Constitution.
A broader vision for Nigeria’s religious diversity
Beyond the proposed legislation on religious freedom, Ojogbo said he intends to pursue a broader constitutional conversation on the place of religion in Nigeria.
He said a future legislative proposal could seek to recognise the values and traditions of Nigeria’s various faith communities within the constitutional framework—not as a means of creating religious divisions, but as a way of reflecting the country’s pluralistic character.
He envisioned a Nigeria in which Christianity, Islam and other faith traditions are recognised as important components of the nation’s social and cultural identity, while maintaining the constitutional principle that every citizen enjoys equal rights regardless of religion.
Such an approach, he argued, would make the Constitution a better reflection of Nigeria’s diversity and help strengthen the bonds that hold the country together.
‘Constitution must be a shield for every citizen’
For Ojogbo, the debate over religious freedom goes beyond politics or legislation. He described it as a question of constitutional integrity, human rights and national unity.
He argued that ensuring equality before the law would help prevent religious differences from becoming sources of conflict and would reinforce Nigeria’s identity as a modern democratic state.
“Justice must be blind to religion, yet respectful of all faiths,” he said.
He maintained that no Nigerian should feel excluded from the nation because of his or her religious identity, adding that the country’s diversity should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division.
According to him, constitutional democracy can only thrive when citizens are confident that their fundamental rights will be protected regardless of the faith they profess.
A pledge to Delta North
Addressing the people of Delta North, Ojogbo said his legislative ambition would be anchored on the principles of freedom, justice, equality and national cohesion.
He pledged to work toward a Nigeria where Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths can live freely and securely under the same constitutional framework.
He further promised to advocate a system in which Sharia remains respected by Muslims who freely choose it, while ensuring that no citizen is subjected to religious obligations against his or her conscience.
“This is not just legislation; it is a moral duty, a constitutional necessity, and a promise I make to you,” Ojogbo declared.
He called on the people of Delta North to support a political vision that, in his words, places the Constitution above religious differences and seeks to build a nation where every citizen can enjoy equal protection under the law.
As the 2027 political conversation gathers momentum, Ojogbo is positioning his proposed religious-freedom agenda as part of a broader campaign for constitutionalism, equality and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
His message to voters is encapsulated in his campaign slogan:
“One Nation, Many Faiths, Equal Justice.”
Vote DLA. Vote Ojogbo for Delta North Senator.