Tinubu Replies Trump, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Religious Freedom

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, reaffirming that the country remains firmly committed to upholding religious freedom and tolerance as enshrined in its Constitution.

The President’s response followed recent remarks by former United States President Donald Trump, who alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing an existential threat.

In a statement personally signed by him on Friday, President Tinubu rejected Trump’s assertions, describing them as inaccurate and unreflective of Nigeria’s diverse and inclusive reality.

“Nigeria upholds the constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. We are a nation of many faiths living in mutual respect and peace. Any portrayal of Nigeria as a country that persecutes or tolerates the persecution of any religion does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that the Nigerian government does not condone or encourage religious persecution, adding that his administration remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens regardless of their faith.

“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so,” the President affirmed.

Tinubu noted that while isolated incidents of violence have occurred in parts of the country, such acts are driven by criminality and not religion. He said his government is working tirelessly to strengthen security, promote justice, and foster unity among Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.

The President also called on international partners to engage with verified information and a balanced understanding of Nigeria’s complex social landscape, warning against narratives that could inflame divisions or undermine peace efforts.

Nigeria, with an estimated population of over 200 million people, is almost evenly split between Muslims and Christians, with a long history of interfaith coexistence despite occasional communal tensions.

Analysts say Tinubu’s statement aims to reassure both domestic and international audiences of his government’s commitment to maintaining peace, equality, and religious harmony across the country.