President Bola Tinubu has again dismissed claims that there is a Christian genocide in the country, insisting that neither Christians nor Muslims are being targeted for killing.
The President said the insecurity bedevilling the country is rooted in historical, economic and criminal factors, not religious persecution.
He spoke on Friday in Abuja while declaring open the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society 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 was battling terrorism driven by criminality and extremism.
A few weeks ago, former United States President Donald Trump had declared 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.
His statement generated controversy within and outside Nigeria, prompting the Federal Government to send 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 a report by 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.”
The President 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,” he added.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s strength has always been in its diversity and the ability of its people to live together while worshipping differently.
He commended NASFAT’s role in promoting unity in the country, 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 keynote speaker at the conference, Dr Nurudeen Lemu, urged Muslims to hold firmly to God and remain optimistic, regardless of the challenges facing the country.
