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President Bola Tinubu again on Friday dismissed allegations of either Christian or Muslim genocide in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s security challenges are driven by criminality and extremism, not religion.
Tinubu made the remarks while declaring open the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society’s (NASFAT) 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja.
The theme of the event was “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.”
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the President said the Federal Government was working tirelessly to end terrorism across the country.
Recall that the U.S. President Donald Trump had, in response to allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, designated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Tinubu, however, described such claims as unfounded.
“In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations,” he said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
“The allegations are not only false, but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the sustenance of the peaceful coexistence which we continue to build as a nation.”
He added that Nigeria’s response to the U.S. designation “was clear, firm, and measured,” stressing, “We reaffirmed that our nation does not foster or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group.”
According to the President, the country’s security crisis is rooted in “historical, economic and criminal issues, not religious issues.”
“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,” he said.
“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, extremism, and challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians.
“We must, therefore, reject narratives that seek to divide us, whether they come from within or outside our borders,” President Tinubu said.
“We must neither allow internal nor external forces to sow discord or feed dangerous stereotypes about our beloved nation.”
He said Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and commended NASFAT for promoting moderation and unity.
“Your teaching on moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity provides pathways for resolving conflicts and deepening national unity,” he said. “Our differences are a divine design, not a source of conflict.”
The President also spoke about the country’s economic reforms, acknowledging the difficulties citizens are facing.
“While these reforms are necessary for long-term prosperity, I understand the inevitable temporary difficulties many citizens are experiencing,” he said.
“Let me assure you that we are working tirelessly to alleviate these pressures, expand social support, and accelerate the benefits of the reforms.”
He pledged to “reinvigorate our security architecture to protect all Nigerians, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or geography,” but added that the government alone cannot build national resilience.
“As we reform our economy and tackle insecurity, we rely on institutions like NASFAT to reinforce the moral and spiritual fabric of our society,” Tinubu said.
“Faith must inspire action. We need your continued partnership in promoting peace, reducing tension, countering misinformation, and nurturing the values of unity and patriotism.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Nurudeen Lemu urged Muslim faithful to remain steadfast and optimistic despite the country’s challenges.
He called for patience, endurance and stronger collaboration among faith-based organisations to drive development and good governance.
Prof Is-haq Oloyede, Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, praised NASFAT as “one of the five-star Islamic organisations,” adding, “We believe five-star will not be enough, because people are now talking of seven-star, and I believe NASFAT will be there.”
He prayed for the continued growth of the organisation and emphasised the need for a modern application of Islamic principles.
“The world is changing, and our understanding of Islam must also change with time. The application of Islam in the public space must also change,” he said.
“For those who are thinking very well, they will know that Islam is not in a good way.”
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