Once again, President Bola Tinubu has dismissed claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, emphasizing that no religious group, whether Christian or Muslim, is being deliberately targeted for extermination.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the opening of the 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), themed âBuilding Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community,â the President stressed that insecurity in the country is not rooted in religious persecution.
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Tinubu said Nigeriaâs current security challenges are largely driven by historical injustices, economic deprivation, criminality, and extremism.
âIn 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,â he said.
The Presidentâs remarks come weeks after former U.S. President Donald Trump alleged that Christians in Nigeria were being targeted and persecuted, warning that the U.S. could consider military intervention if the Nigerian government failed to act.
Trump had labelled Nigeria a âCountry of Particular Concern,â sparking widespread reactions within and beyond Nigeriaâs borders.
In response, the Federal Government dispatched a high-level delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to engage U.S. lawmakers and provide clarity on the nationâs security situation.
President Tinubu reaffirmed that the Nigerian government does not support or carry out any policy that targets religious groups.
âAs 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 extremismâchallenges we are working tirelessly to overcome,â he stated.
He noted that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from terrorism and continue to stand together in condemning violence from all quarters.
The President emphasised the Federal Governmentâs commitment to national unity, religious tolerance, and the protection of every Nigerian life.
âWe 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,â he added.
Tinubu praised NASFAT for promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence.
âYour 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,â he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Islamic scholar Dr Nurudeen Lemu urged Nigerian Muslims to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful amid the countryâs challenges, stressing the importance of unity, patience, and resilience.
