NO CHRISTIAN, MUSLIM GENOCIDE IN NIGERIA — TINUBU INSISTS
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By: Sefiu Ajape
President Bola Tinubu has again dismissed claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, insisting that neither Christians nor Muslims are being targeted for killings in the country.
The President said the insecurity confronting the nation is rooted in historical, economic and criminal factors, rather than religious persecution.
He made the remarks on Friday in Abuja while declaring open the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting, themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.”
Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said Nigeria is grappling with terrorism driven by criminality and extremism.
A few weeks earlier, former United States President Donald Trump had claimed that Christians were being targeted for killing in Nigeria and threatened to deploy US military forces if the Federal Government failed to address the situation.
Trump, who designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” insisted that Christians were being persecuted while the Federal Government allegedly looked the other way.
The comments sparked controversy within and outside the country, prompting the Federal Government to dispatch a delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to engage US congressmen and present a clearer perspective on Nigeria’s security challenges.
According to an online platform, Freedom Online, Tinubu, while speaking at the NASFAT programme, said, “In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations. These allegations are not only false but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the peaceful coexistence we continue to build as a nation.
“Nigeria’s response was clear, firm and measured. We reaffirmed that our nation does not foster or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group. Muslims and Christians alike have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria. Muslims and Christians alike stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning violence from any quarter.
“As President, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility and fidelity to the Constitution that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria. What we have is terrorism driven by criminality and extremism—challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.”
He added that the Federal Government would continue to promote national unity, religious freedom and the security of every human life.
“We must, therefore, reject narratives that seek to divide us, whether they come from within or outside our borders. We must not allow internal or external forces to sow discord or promote dangerous stereotypes about our beloved nation,” the President said.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability of its people to live together while worshipping differently.
He commended NASFAT for its role in promoting unity, noting, “Your teachings on moderation, tolerance and service to humanity provide pathways for resolving conflicts and deepening national unity.
“Let us continue to promote moderation, peaceful coexistence and respect for our diversity. Our differences are a divine design, not a source of conflict.”
Meanwhile, the keynote speaker at the conference, Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, urged Muslims to hold firmly to God and remain optimistic despite the challenges facing the nation.
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