Tinubu To Trump: Nigeria Is Still A Democracy That Preserves All Religions
President Tinubu reiterates Nigeria’s constitutional pledge to uphold everyone’s right to freedom of worship while dismissing accusations of religious intolerance following the US designation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s stance on religious freedom in response to remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” because of alleged Christian persecution.
The President stated that Nigeria “stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty” in a statement posted on X on Saturday.
He emphasized that since taking office in 2023, his administration had “continued to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions and maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike.”
Claims that Nigeria lacks religious tolerance were rejected by Tinubu, who emphasized that “the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.”
The President reaffirmed the nation’s long-standing principles, saying that “tolerance and religious freedom have been and will always be a fundamental part of our shared identity.” Nigeria opposes and disapproves of religious persecution.
Nigeria’s laws, he continued, offer fundamental safeguards to safeguard citizens of all religions, highlighting his administration’s continuous communication with international partners.
In addition, Tinubu stated that the government is dedicated to enhancing understanding and collaboration on the defense of communities of all religions with the US government and the outside world.
The declaration, in which Nigeria reiterates its status as a pluralistic democracy committed to the defense of various religions, coincides with a renewed worldwide attention on religious freedom in a number of nations.
