President Bola Tinubu has faulted the redesignation of Nigeria by US President Donald Trump as a “Nation of Explicit Concern” over alleged Christian persecution, insisting that non secular liberty stays a core function of Nigeria’s democracy.
In a press release personally signed by him on Saturday, President Tinubu stated america’ characterisation of Nigeria as religiously illiberal doesn’t mirror the nation’s actuality or the federal government’s ongoing efforts to guard residents of all faiths.
Federal Gov’t Reacts To Trump’s Re-designatation Of Nigeria As CPC, Reaffirms Dedication To Finish Terrorism
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy ruled by constitutional ensures of non secular liberty,” the President declared. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and energetic engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to handle safety challenges which have an effect on residents throughout faiths and areas.”
Trump had earlier introduced by way of his Fact Social platform that Nigeria was being redesignated because of alleged genocide in opposition to Christians, claiming the US couldn’t ignore “mass killings by radical Islamists.”
Nevertheless, President Tinubu, in his response, stated such claims didn’t acknowledge Nigeria’s range and dedication to peaceable coexistence amongst its residents.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously illiberal doesn’t mirror our nationwide actuality, nor does it consider the constant and honest efforts of the federal government to safeguard freedom of faith and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he stated.
He added that non secular freedom and tolerance “have been a core tenet of our collective identification and shall at all times stay so,” stressing that Nigeria “opposes non secular persecution and doesn’t encourage it.”
Reaffirming his administration’s place, Tinubu stated Nigeria would proceed to work with the US authorities and different worldwide companions to advertise understanding and cooperation on defending communities of all faiths.
“Nigeria is a rustic with constitutional ensures to guard residents of all faiths,” he reiterated. “Our administration is dedicated to working with america authorities and the worldwide neighborhood to deepen understanding and cooperation on safety of communities of all faiths.”
