Police Board pressured her to step down, but many support her right to speak up

Did she jump, or was she pushed? Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba left her position as Vice Chair of the Vancouver Police Board November 22, following an an outraged response to a statement she posted on Instagram.

CKNW radio host (and former BC Liberal MLA) Jas Johal tweeted her comment, which had been posted on Reddit, described as a rant.

Johal said:

When you sit on the Vancouver Police Board you are representing a multi-ethnic police force which serves and protects a diverse city. I hope Vice Chair Comfort Salome-Fadugba [sic] can clarify her comments to taxpayers.

Support Canadian identity

Sakoma-Fadugba, who immigrated to Canada from Nigeria as a child, introduced her comment by saying “I’m going to get very vocal about things happening in Canada, and it’s OK if it upsets some people.”

She reflected on what has made Canada great, and why it is becoming less so. She began:

Frankly, it shouldn’t upset anyone because if you moved to Canada because it was a better option than your country of origin, then you should want Canada to remain excellent. Part of that process is understanding what made it great to begin with and working to protect that.

Years ago I warned that people were losing the ability to define what it truly means to be Canadian. Take 10 random people off the street and we can’t identify a common food, sport or pastime that unites us. The implications of an immigration system that allowed for mass immigration without considering cultural integration, combined with a growing aversion to assimilation, are slowly transforming Canada into a place where a shared identity is disappearing.

I don’t recognize my country any more. The friendly smiles, courteous service and even the simple “sorry” when someone bumps into you-traits that used to define our culture – are now fading away.

Controversy

A November 23 CBC News article reporting on her resignation highlighted the areas of controversy in her statement:

Of the screenshots shared to Reddit, one post discusses how “mass immigration” and “a growing aversion to assimilation” are “transforming Canada into a place where a shared identity is disappearing.”

Another post questions Diwali celebrations at schools, saying the “push for secular education isn’t about religion – it’s about erasing Christian values from the lives of our children.”

A third post references “gender transitions” while criticizing a “woke culture that pits children against their parents.”

Another claims Christian values serve as Canada’s moral compass and questions what would happen to the country if a different religion became more dominant.

The report said, “CBC News has not independently verified the social media posts, as both they and the Instagram account they were posted on have since been removed.”

It continued:

Sakoma-Fadugba told CBC News the screenshots posted to Reddit do not “capture the entirety of the conversation that was being had.”

“I’m genuinely sorry that it has caused so much harm,” she said. “That was not my intent.”

Quick condemnation

Several leaders were quick to condemn her comments and express their satisfaction that Sakoma-Fadugba was leaving her post. For example:

• Vancouver Police Board chair Frank Chong issued a statement November 22, saying her statements “do not reflect the values of the board and are inconsistent with our code of conduct” and requesting her resignation from the board.
• Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said her views do not reflect his beliefs, nor the policies of the police board, adding, “”As public leaders, it’s our responsibility to bring people together and focus on what unites us, not what divides us.”
• Garry Begg, BC’s Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety, said the comments “spread hate and division amongst communities and they will not be tolerated.”
• Elenore Sturko, BC Conservative MLA for South Surrey (a former Liberal Party MLA and before that an RCMP officer) focused on the transgender issue, saying, “When we have statements being made that erode the public’s trust, or their comfort with their police service, it makes it that much harder on the front-line officers.”

Ironically, the Vancouver Police Board had welcomed Sakoma-Fadugba with these words in a January 20, 2022 tweet: “She brings an impressive background in business, community service and expanding equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life. We look forward to her contributions to the governance of @VancouverPD“

Misrepresented

Sakoma-Fadugba posted on Instagram November 24, stating that she has not been fairly represented in the media:

In this beautiful land, where diverse cultures create a vibrant mosaic, the spirit of openness should thrive. Yet, a troubling undercurrent of suppression stifles free expression. Freedom of speech is often touted as a fundamental right, but it comes with invisible chains that bind those who voice dissenting opinions. Many find themselves silenced by fear of backlash and vilification.

Over 20 media platforms have covered my story, yet only two have sought my perspective. This trend reveals a concerning willingness to amplify narratives without engaging in meaningful dialogue. Notably, after a 20-minute interview with CBC, none of my meaningful points were included.

I faced pressure to resign from the Vancouver Police Board for expressing concerns shared by millions, including the National Leader of the Conservative Party. This reflects a broader issue where legitimate concerns can lead to repercussions, eroding the foundations of our society.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of Canadians from coast to coast who have sent me messages of support. Your encouragement means the world to me. I love this country and will fight for it because my son deserves to grow up in a place where everyone can thrive authentically, without fear of persecution.

Go here for her full statement.

Considerable support

Some leaders, particularly Conservative MLAs such as Bryan Tepper, have backed Sakoma-Fadugba. He tweeted November 25:

I am deeply concerned by the news of Ms. Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba’s forced resignation from the Vancouver Police Board. In a free and democratic society, no one should feel afraid to peacefully defend their own faith or to express other genuinely held views on matters of public interest.

Our community thrives when we embrace a diversity of viewpoints, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and peace. I urge the Vancouver Police Board to review its handling of the matter and to explore conciliatory measures with Ms. Sakoma-Fadugba.

Comments following a Vancouver Sun article were also heavily supportive of her, with many questioning why she should not be able to speak her mind in a free society.

For example:

• This woman is outspoken, so what? Here is an African-Canadian woman of colour expressing her own beliefs. She isn’t expressing hate, just being outspoken. I think this story reveals the the woke stick-up-backside hypocrisy happening in Canada right now, where immigrants are very welcome to pay taxes, buy condos or pay high international student fees . . . but aren’t allowed to speak like themselves. Whether or not I agree with her, I say let her speak!
• This wonderful woman was asked to resign because she was brave enough to mention the word ‘Christianity’ in today’s political environment in Canada. Many African immigrants here show a remarkable spiritual strength, and more common sense and respect for the Christian values and foundations of this country than, alas, many born-here Canadians. My very best wishes to her in her future career.
• I totally agree with this woman. Thousand and thousands agree as well. But, they are intimidated by the current INTOLERANT silencing of Christian influence and fear they would be treated as she has been treated if they speak up.

There was opposition too:

• This is another person sucked down the far right pipeline. Too bad so many get affected by this culture of fear and anger. Religious freedom is protected by our constitution. Stop listening to the cranky fear mongers.

Possible Conservative division?

Some suggest that this issue could cause a rift among the newly minted BC Conservative MLAs. Jas Johal, for example, tweeted November 25:

Now BCC MLA and Community Safety critic Brian Tepper says Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba should not have resigned from Van Police Board. He takes the same position of BCC party president Aisha Estey, and completely undermines colleague and Public Safety critic Elenore Sturko.

Sakoma-Fadugba chastised Jas Johal on Instagram November 27:

@JasJohalBC You are such a bully! You spend your time attacking conservatives and mischaracterizing them, taking pride in the downfall of others. This behavior is contrary to the Christian values you are angry I spoke about. As Proverbs 24:17-18 reminds us, “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from them.”

Towards the end of her original post, she said:

The reason we’re such a forgiving society – one that believes in taking care of the least among us – is because Christianity, at its core, is a religion built on forgiveness. The entire objective of being Christian is to find forgiveness and offer it to others. Our tolerance as a nation comes from the biblical principle of not judging others because we ourselves are imperfect. . . .

God help Canada and our government as they dig us out of the hole they’ve put us in.

Also, to be very clear, I am fully aware of the terrible ways in which the imposition of Christianity in Canada and around the world, including in Africa, has harmed Indigenous cultures. This post is in no way meant to minimize this reality. However, any argument that suggests Christianity is entirely bad or evil, without acknowledging the positive ways it has contributed to our society, is biased. I believe a conversation that takes a more nuanced look at this issue is needed.

I suspect we will hear more about this situation – and Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba. (And not just locally; the Daily Mail in England picked up on the story November 27.)