In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Tinubu has come out swinging against what he calls “unfounded allegations” of religious genocide in Nigeria. The president, through his representatives, insists that the country’s ongoing violence is not about religion, but rather the result of criminality and extremism,downplaying the growing international concern over targeted attacks on religious communities.
At a high-profile event in Abuja, Tinubu’s message was delivered by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, who addressed a gathering of religious leaders and policymakers. The president’s team used the platform to push the narrative that both Christians and Muslims are equally affected by violence, sidestepping the specifics of recent attacks and glossing over the fears of minority groups.
This comes hot on the heels of explosive comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused the Nigerian government of allowing systematic killings of Christians and labeled the country a “Country of Particular Concern.” The Nigerian government quickly dispatched a delegation to Washington, eager to control the narrative and assure American lawmakers that all is well back home.
Tinubu’s administration is adamant: there is no religious persecution in Nigeria. “These allegations are not only false but harmful,” the president declared, warning that such claims could disrupt the country’s so-called “peaceful coexistence.” The government’s response, according to Tinubu, has been “clear, firm and measured”,a statement that critics say does little to address the real fears on the ground.
Doubling down, Tinubu stated, “There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria.” He blamed terrorism and criminality for the violence, insisting that his government is working “tirelessly” to restore order. Yet, for many, these assurances ring hollow as reports of attacks continue to surface.
The president also took the opportunity to lecture Nigerians on the dangers of “divisive narratives,” urging citizens to reject any claims,domestic or international,that suggest religious groups are being targeted. He painted a rosy picture of Nigeria’s diversity, calling it a “source of strength,” and praised NASFAT for promoting moderation and tolerance.
Keynote speaker Dr. Nurudeen Lemu echoed the government’s talking points, urging Muslims to remain hopeful and resilient. The event, heavily choreographed, seemed more focused on image management than addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s security crisis.
As violence continues to make headlines, the Tinubu administration appears determined to control the story, dismissing international criticism and insisting that Nigeria is a model of religious harmony. Whether this narrative will convince a skeptical world remains to be seen.
