President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated that the constitution of the country guarantees religious freedom and that security challenges “affect citizens across faiths and regions “
Tinubu made this known in a statement in response to President Donald Trump’s recent threat of a military action in the country over what he called ” Christian Genocide”
Tinubu said since he assumed office as President, his administration has actively engaged Christian and Muslim leaders to address security challenges.
According to him”,religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of” Nigeria’s “collective identity” adding that his administration is committed to working with the United States to deepen understanding on protection of all faiths.
The Full Text;
Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.
Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.
The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.
Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.
Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths.
Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.
BOLA AHMED TINUBU
PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
Meanwhile, a former Governor of Kano State and Presidential Candidate of the NNPP in the 2023 election,
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has said that Nigeria is a sovereign nation whose people irrespective of religion, ethnic or political beliefs face threats from outlaws.
Taking to X( formerly Twitter), Kwankwaso said the United States should Nigeria with sophisticated technology that could tackle the problem of insecurity
The leader of the Kwankwsinya movement also advised the Nigerian Government to appoint envoys that could engage the American government.
“I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs.
“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country.
“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.
“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division.
God bless Nigeria. – RMK
Trump had in a post on his Truth Social said the United States would immediately cut off all assistance to Nigeria” if the government continues to allow the killing of Christians
He said the US ” may come into the country and completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.
” I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack,it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our Cherished Christians: Warning: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST
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