FG, AU Dismiss Claims of Religious Persecution, Genocide in Nigeria
The Federal Government has rejected allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, insisting that the claims are false and harmful to the country’s image.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, separately dismissed the allegations while addressing recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Nigeria of religious persecution and threatened military intervention if killings by terrorists and bandits continue.
Tuggar, in a statement posted on X, demanded the full, unedited airing of his interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, arguing that selective editing could distort his comments and fuel misleading narratives.
According to him, the interview provided “a factual and contextual perspective” on religious freedom in Nigeria, backed by verifiable data. He insisted that Nigeria could not persecute anyone based on religion, as the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship.
“For the sake of integrity and transparency, it is essential that the full interview be aired exactly as recorded. Nigeria’s truth must not be distorted to fit external biases,” he said.
Idris: Nigeria Not a Violator of Religious Freedom
Information Minister Mohammed Idris also dismissed the genocide claims while speaking at the 5th National Advertising Conference in Abuja. He described the allegations as a distortion of Nigeria’s multicultural and multi-faith reality.
According to him, Nigeria faces security challenges, but terrorism and banditry affect all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths alike.
He noted that the present administration has strengthened national security structures and continues to invest in combating terrorism. Idris urged communication and marketing professionals to help counter misinformation and promote accurate narratives about Nigeria.
“We need a communication renaissance—one that emphasises facts over fear, unity over division, and truth over propaganda,” he added.
AU: No Genocide in Northern Nigeria
The African Union Commission also refuted the genocide allegations. Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, speaking in New York, said the situation in northern Nigeria is complex but should not be described as genocide.
He noted that Boko Haram’s victims are predominantly Muslims, not Christians, highlighting the broader nature of insecurity in the region. Boko Haram’s insurgency, active since 2009, has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced millions, according to UN figures.
PFN Urges Trump to Support Nigeria, Not Threaten Military Action
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) called on the U.S. government to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism rather than threaten invasion. PFN President, Wale Oke, in an interview on Channels Television, urged collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria, particularly in counter-terrorism training.
He stressed that Nigerian Christians seek protection, not revenge, and want every citizen to freely practice their religion without fear.
Obi: Debate Over Genocide Misses the Real Issue—Killings Persist
Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said backlash against Trump’s comments was unnecessary, as he only repeated concerns Nigerians have voiced for years.
Speaking at the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference, Obi said the central issue was not whether genocide exists but the continued killings, insecurity, and impunity across the country.
He described Nigeria as a “disgraced nation” due to widespread poverty, insecurity, high infant mortality, and poor governance, but insisted the country remains recoverable with honest reflection and decisive action.
Even with the grim realities, Obi urged Nigerians not to lose hope, saying national restoration is still attainable.
