Tinubu Dismisses Claims of Religious Genocide, Says Nigeria’s Diversity Is Its Strength‎

Tinubu Dismisses Claims of Religious Genocide, Says Nigeria’s Diversity Is Its Strength‎

By Abiola Adigun
Albarka 89.9 FM

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly dismissed recent allegations of “religious genocide” in Nigeria, insisting that no religion is under siege and that the country’s diversity remains a source of unity rather than division.
Speaking on Tuesday at the unveiling of a book documenting a decade of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in government, authored by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, the President described such claims as “unfounded and misleading.”
“Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded. Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side – not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us,” Tinubu said to a large audience at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre.
“We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.”
The President’s comments come amid growing concerns over insecurity across the Sahel and allegations by some international groups suggesting religious persecution in Nigeria. Abuja has repeatedly refuted those claims, stressing that security challenges are driven more by criminality, insurgency, and banditry than by religion.
Reflecting on the APC’s stewardship since 2015, Tinubu noted that the party had stabilised Nigeria in difficult times, crediting former President Muhammadu Buhari for major infrastructure investments and reforms in public finance.
“Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We promised “change”, and I can confidently tell you the worst is over,” he said.
“APC may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. And we will not allow Nigeria to return to the wasted years of drift.”
Tinubu also took a swipe at critics of his administration, accusing opposition figures of hypocrisy.
“Those who wasted sixteen years had their chance. Nigerians remember the broken promises, the broken power plants, the broken roads, and the attempts to usurp democratic institutions through corruption,” he said.
Earlier in Owerri, Tinubu commissioned key infrastructure projects including the Owerri-Mbaise-Umahia Road, the Assumpta Twin Flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre.
The event drew a wide array of political leaders and dignitaries, including APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, former party leaders Adams Oshiomhole and Abdullahi Ganduje, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and governors from across the country.
Akpabio praised the President’s education reforms, particularly the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said had given opportunities to underprivileged children.
“Mr. President, you have given hope to many young people. You have invested in agriculture to provide food for millions of Nigerians,” Akpabio said.
Governor Uzodimma, who also chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, credited the federal government’s policies for enabling more infrastructure delivery in states.
“Most of the projects we undertake in Imo are made possible by the continuous funding we receive from time to time,” he said, adding that Tinubu’s political consistency inspired his decision to author the book “A Decade of Leadership in Nigeria.”
Tinubu also reassured residents of the South-East of his administration’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Under Renewed Hope, no part of Nigeria will be abandoned. The South-East is not on the margins; you are at the centre of our national rebirth,” he declared.
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