NEWS
President Tinubu Dismisses Claims of Christian or Muslim Genocide, Says Nigeria’s Security Crisis Is Rooted in Criminality, Extremism
…as He Calls for Faith-Based Unity at NASFAT Biennial Conference in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has once again firmly rejected allegations of Christian or Muslim genocide in Nigeria, insisting that the nation’s security challenges are driven by criminality and violent extremism rather than religious persecution.
The President made this position clear on Friday in Abuja while declaring open the 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), a major Islamic faith-based organisation. The conference was held under the theme, “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.”
Represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, President Tinubu said the Federal Government remains fully committed to ending terrorism and restoring peace across the country, while safeguarding the rights and safety of all citizens irrespective of faith.
His remarks come against the backdrop of renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security situation, following a previous designation of the country by former U.S. President Donald Trump as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of Christian genocide.
President Tinubu, however, described such claims as baseless and dangerous to national cohesion.
“In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations,” he said.
“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 further stressed that Nigeria’s official response to the U.S. designation was deliberate and unequivocal.
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 roots of Nigeria’s insecurity are complex and long-standing, but religion is not among the causes.
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.
Reiterating his stance in unequivocal terms, Tinubu 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, extremism, and challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s constitutional duty to protect all Nigerians and urged citizens to resist divisive narratives capable of undermining national unity.
“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.”
Highlighting the strength inherent in Nigeria’s diversity, Tinubu commended NASFAT for its consistent promotion of moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Your teaching on moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity provides pathways for resolving conflicts and deepening national unity.
“Our differences are a divine design, not a source of conflict,” he said.
Beyond security, the President also addressed the country’s ongoing economic reforms, acknowledging the economic pressures currently faced by many Nigerians.
“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 emphasized that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to build lasting 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.”
Earlier in his keynote address, Dr. Nurudeen Lemu urged Muslim faithful to remain steadfast and hopeful despite the nation’s challenges, calling for patience, endurance and stronger collaboration among faith-based organisations to promote development and good governance.
Also speaking, the Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, 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 stressed the need for a contemporary and thoughtful application of Islamic principles in a rapidly changing world.
“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.”