Tinubu defends religious tolerance, rejects US report

DDM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to religious tolerance in Nigeria.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports he dismissed allegations of targeted attacks against Christians in the country.

Tinubu addressed a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s development must transcend religious divisions.

His remarks came as the federal government refuted claims by the United States Foreign Relations Committee.

The U.S. report alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the report as misleading.

The government maintained that Nigeria remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of religion.

Nigeria must rise above religious bias—Tinubu

Tinubu assured the Catholic bishops of his government’s dedication to fostering national unity.

He insisted that ongoing economic reforms, though difficult, were necessary for long-term national stability.

“Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard and tough for me,” Tinubu stated.

“It was a necessary choice for the survival of our nation,” he added.

He explained that Nigeria had been spending resources meant for future generations.

“Poverty has no religious identity,” Tinubu emphasized.

“It affects all Nigerians, and we must fight it together,” he declared.

Tinubu acknowledged the hardship Nigerians were enduring.

He maintained that his administration was making progress in tackling insecurity.

Both Christians and Muslims were victims of security challenges, he said.

“This insecurity affects everyone—Christians and Muslims alike,” Tinubu noted.

“I have no religious bias and will never be a bigot,” he assured.

“My wife is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church,” he reminded the bishops.

“We must think of our country first,” Tinubu said firmly.

“Nigeria must develop beyond religious divisions,” he insisted.

“My doors are open, and I am ready to listen,” he added.

Federal government debunks allegations of Christian persecution

The federal government strongly refuted claims made by the U.S. Foreign Relations Committee.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the allegations as misinformation.

The report was aimed at pressuring foreign governments, especially the United States.

The goal was to have Nigeria designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).

Such a designation would imply religious persecution in Nigeria.

Acting Ministry spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, responded to the claims.

He asserted that Nigeria remains a multi-religious nation.

Government policies, he said, are not driven by religious bias.

“The federal government acknowledges Nigeria’s security challenges,” Ebienfa stated.

“It is imperative to clarify that these issues are not religiously motivated,” he added.

Most incidents of insurgency occur in northern Nigeria.

They are not targeted at any specific faith, he explained.

Any narrative suggesting religious persecution is misleading, he warned.

Ebienfa said security challenges stem from terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes.

The farmer-herder crisis is also a major concern, he noted.

He urged foreign governments to verify information before making conclusions.

Catholic bishops call for policy reforms

The Catholic bishops expressed concerns over economic hardship caused by government policies.

Archbishop Lucius Ugorji led the CBCN delegation.

He congratulated Tinubu on his election.

However, he urged the president to take further steps to rebuild public confidence.

He highlighted the theme of the bishops’ conference—“The Jubilee Year of Hope.”

This theme aligns with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, Ugorji noted.

The bishops presented their final resolutions to Tinubu.

They called for stronger efforts to improve security and foster religious harmony.

Alleviating economic suffering was also a key demand.

The bishops requested the return of mission schools taken over by the government.

Tinubu responded that such decisions were under state government jurisdiction.

He recalled that he had returned mission schools when he was Lagos governor.

Another issue raised was government sponsorship of religious pilgrimages.

The bishops argued that public funds should not finance pilgrimages.

Religious organizations should take full responsibility for organizing them, they said.

“The national and state pilgrims’ boards are not serving the nation’s best interests,” Ugorji stated.

Corruption had led to the removal of some board executives, he added.

The bishops recommended that the government cease funding religious pilgrimages.

Tinubu’s adviser criticizes U.S. report

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, dismissed the U.S. report.

He argued that the allegations lacked context.

The claims failed to reflect Nigeria’s current situation, he stated.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu promotes religious tolerance,” Bwala emphasized.

“Since May 29, 2023, there have been little to no cases of Christian persecution,” he added.

Bwala said the government does not acknowledge the accuracy of the report.

However, he insisted that the claims do not align with Nigeria’s present reality.

“The committee’s report lacks proper context,” Bwala declared.

He criticized the report for failing to acknowledge progress made under Tinubu’s leadership.

“The president is committed to fostering peaceful coexistence among all religious groups,” Bwala affirmed.

Government outlines steps to tackle security issues

In response to security concerns, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlined government efforts.

The government is taking measures to curb criminal activities nationwide.

Military operations have been intensified, the Ministry stated.

Community engagement initiatives have been launched to reduce violence.

The Ministry highlighted the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development.

A Special Adviser on Livestock Reforms has been appointed.

The goal is to implement sustainable solutions for pastoral farming.

Farmer-herder conflicts remain a significant challenge in Nigeria.

“The government is taking both kinetic and non-kinetic measures,” Ebienfa explained.

“The military has made substantial gains in curtailing insurgent activities,” he added.

The Ministry urged the international community to be cautious in interpreting reports.

Spreading unverified information could incite religious tensions, Ebienfa warned.

Distorting Nigeria’s security situation would create unnecessary divisions, he noted.

“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance in Africa,” Ebienfa asserted.

Constructive dialogue and international support are welcome, he stated.

However, he warned against misrepresenting Nigeria’s challenges.

“We reject attempts to sow discord among our people,” he concluded.

Conclusion

Tinubu’s meeting with the Catholic bishops reaffirmed his commitment to religious tolerance.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s economic and security difficulties.

However, he insisted that long-term reforms would benefit all Nigerians.

The federal government rejected the U.S. report on religious persecution.

It maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex but not religiously motivated.

The bishops called for policy changes, including economic relief and education reforms.

They urged the government to stop funding religious pilgrimages.

Tinubu’s administration faces continued scrutiny to deliver on its promises.

As discussions on economic recovery and religious harmony continue, the government remains under pressure.

National unity and security remain top priorities for the Tinubu administration.

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