Nigeria’s President Tinubu Rejects Claims of Christian Genocide, Cites Criminality and Extremism as Root Causes of Insecurity
President Bola Tinubu has once again firmly refuted allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, asserting that neither Christians nor Muslims are being systematically targeted for elimination. The President emphasized that the pervasive insecurity plaguing the nation stems from a complex interplay of historical grievances, economic disparities, and criminal activities, rather than religious persecution.
These remarks were made on Friday in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society’s (NASFAT) 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting. The conference, themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community,” provided a platform for the President, represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to articulate the government’s stance on the nation’s security challenges.
President Tinubu’s comments come in the wake of statements made by former United States President Donald Trump a few weeks prior. Trump had declared that Christians were being targeted for killings in Nigeria and had threatened to deploy US military forces if the Nigerian Federal Government failed to address the situation. Trump, who had designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” insisted on the persecution of Christians while alleging government inaction.
This declaration sparked considerable controversy both within Nigeria and internationally. In response, the Nigerian Federal Government dispatched a delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to engage with US congressmen and present a more nuanced perspective on Nigeria’s multifaceted security landscape.
According to reports, President Tinubu, addressing the NASFAT gathering, stated, “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.”
He elaborated on Nigeria’s official response, highlighting its clarity, firmness, and measured approach. “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.”
Reiterating his commitment, the President declared, “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 administration remains committed to fostering national unity, upholding religious freedom, and ensuring the security of every life within the country. “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,” President Tinubu urged.
He underscored Nigeria’s inherent strength, which he identified as its rich diversity and the ability of its people to coexist harmoniously despite their differing religious beliefs.
NASFAT’s Role in Promoting National Unity
President Tinubu took the opportunity to commend NASFAT for its significant contributions to promoting unity within Nigeria. He acknowledged the organization’s teachings on moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity as vital pathways for conflict resolution and the deepening of 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 President stated, encouraging continued collaboration between religious organizations and the government in building a more resilient and unified nation.
The keynote speaker at the conference, Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, also addressed the attendees, urging Muslims to maintain unwavering faith in God and to remain optimistic in the face of the nation’s challenges. His message resonated with the overarching theme of resilience and the importance of spiritual fortitude in navigating a changing world.
The conference served as a critical forum for dialogue on pressing national issues, with a particular focus on how faith-based communities can contribute to building resilience and fostering understanding amidst complex socio-economic and security challenges. The discussions underscored the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in building a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
