Nigeria’s Federal Government has firmly rejected allegations of a “Christian genocide,” describing the claims—amplified recently by U.S. President Donald Trump—as false, misleading, and damaging to the nation’s image.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, pushed back strongly on Wednesday, insisting that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and that ongoing security challenges are not driven by religion.
Tuggar Demands Full, Unedited Piers Morgan Interview
Tuggar, who recently appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored, said he provided verifiable data countering what he called “misleading narratives” about religious persecution in Nigeria.
He insisted that the full interview must be aired without edits to prevent distortion.
“My explanations may not have aligned with certain preconceived views, but for the sake of transparency, the entire exchange must be broadcast exactly as recorded,” he wrote on X.
He stressed that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, making state-backed discrimination “impossible.”
No Religious Persecution in Nigeria — Idris
Information Minister Mohammed Idris echoed the same position at the 5th National Advertising Conference in Abuja, warning against misinformation portraying Nigeria as hostile to religious freedom.
“This narrative is false,” he said. “Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths have all suffered from terrorism and banditry.”
Idris emphasized the government’s investment in strengthening national security and urged communication professionals to promote accurate, unifying narratives about Nigeria.
African Union: ‘No Genocide in Northern Nigeria’
Reinforcing Nigeria’s position, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said there is no genocide in northern Nigeria.
“The first victims of Boko Haram are Muslims, not Christians,” he stated, urging caution against sensational claims.
UN data shows Boko Haram’s insurgency, active since 2009, has caused over 40,000 deaths and displaced more than two million people.
PFN to Trump: Don’t Invade Nigeria—Work With Tinubu
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) urged Trump not to follow through on his threat of military intervention.
PFN President, Wale Oke, said America should assist Nigeria in tackling terrorism through training and cooperation, not threats.
“We want an end to the killings,” he said. “Every Nigerian should be able to practice their faith freely.”
Peter Obi: Debate on Genocide Misses the Point—People Are Dying
Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, weighed in, saying Trump merely echoed what many Nigerians have long acknowledged — that the country is grappling with grave insecurity and systemic failures.
“For many, the debate became whether there is genocide or not. But the real question is: are people being killed? Why does the culture of impunity endure?” he asked at the All Nigeria Editors Conference in Abuja.
Obi described Nigeria as a “disgraced nation,” not because of external criticism, but because of the harsh realities Nigerians face daily—mass poverty, insecurity, unemployment, hunger, and corruption.
Despite these challenges, he urged citizens not to lose hope, insisting that Nigeria remains “recoverable” through honest introspection and courageous reforms.
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