ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-President Bola Tinubu has once again rejected claims that a Christian genocide is taking place in Nigeria, maintaining that neither Christians nor Muslims are being deliberately targeted for killings.
The President explained that the insecurity confronting the nation stems from historical, economic and criminal issues rather than religious persecution.
He made the remarks on Friday in Abuja while declaring open the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society’s 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting, with the theme “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 fuelled by criminality and extremism.
A few weeks earlier, former United States President Donald Trump had alleged that Christians were being singled out for killings in Nigeria and warned that the US could deploy military forces if the Federal Government failed to act.
Trump, who designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” claimed that Christians were facing persecution while the Federal Government allegedly turned a blind eye.
The comments sparked debate both locally and internationally, leading the Federal Government to dispatch a delegation headed by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to engage US lawmakers and clarify Nigeria’s security situation.
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According to an online platform, Freedom Online, Tinubu, speaking at the NASFAT event, 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.”
The President further stated that the Federal Government remains committed to promoting national unity, protecting religious freedom and safeguarding 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,” he added.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the capacity of its people to live together despite differences in faith.
He also praised NASFAT for its efforts in fostering unity, saying, “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.”
The conference keynote speaker, Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, urged Muslims to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful, regardless of the challenges confronting the country.