President Bola Tinubu has insisted that there is neither Christian genocide nor Muslim genocide in Nigeria.
Tinubu said this while declaring open the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Friday.
The theme of the conference was “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community”.
Represented by Mr Lateef Fagbemi,the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the President said that what the country had was terrorism, driven by criminality and extremism.
He said that the Federal Government was working tirelessly to overcome the security challenges.
President of the United States, Donald Trump, had declared Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ in response to allegations of a Christian genocide.
Tinubu said, “In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill, had to address unfounded allegations.
“The allegations are not only false, but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the sustenance of the peaceful coexistence which we continue to build as a nation.
“Nigeria’s response was clear, firm, and measured. We reaffirmed that our nation does not foster or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group,” he said.
According to him, security challenges are rooted in historical, economic and criminal issues, not religious issues.
“Muslims and Christians alike have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria. Muslims and Christians alike stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning violence from any quarter.
“As President, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility and fidelity to the constitution that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria.
“What we have is terrorism driven by criminality, extremism, challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome,” he said.
Tinubu said the Nigerian government would continue to promote firm national unity, religious freedom, and security of every human life.
“We must, therefore, reject narratives that seek to divide us, whether they come from within or outside our borders.
“We must neither allow internal or external forces to sow discord or feed dangerous stereotypes about our beloved nation,” he said.
According to the President, Nigeria’s strength has always been in its diversity, our ability to live together, worship differently, and still see one another as brothers, sisters, and compatriots.
He said that It was comforting to note that faith-based organisations such as NASFAT play an invaluable role in this regard.
“Your teaching on moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity provide pathways for resolving conflicts and deepening national unity.
“Let us continue to promote moderation, peaceful coexistence, and respect for our diversity.
“Our differences are a divine design, not a source of conflict,” he said.
He said the Federal Government remained firmly committed to building an inclusive, prosperous, and secure Nigeria.
“We are undertaking bold reforms to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, attract investments, and create opportunities for all Nigerians.
“While these reforms are necessary for long-term prosperity, I understand the inevitable temporary difficulties many citizens are experiencing.
“Let me assure you that we are working tirelessly to alleviate these pressures, expand social support, accelerate the benefits of the reforms, and above all,
“We will also reinvigorate our security architecture to protect all Nigerians, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or geography.
“However, government can not build resilience alone. As we reform our economy and tackle insecurity, we rely on institutions like NASFAT to reinforce the moral and spiritual fabric of our society.”
The President said that good governance must work hand-in-hand with strong values, adding that development must be accompanied by discipline, passion and integrity.
According to him, faith must inspire action.
“We need your continued partnership in promoting peace, reducing tension, countering misinformation, and nurturing the values of unity and patriotism” he said.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, keynote speaker, Dr Nurudeen Lemu, said no matter the problem the country was facing, Muslim faithful should hold the rope of Almighty Allah and have hope in Him.
Lemu urged Nigerians to be optimistic to build and not to destroy Nigeria, called for Nigerian’s patience and endurance in order to transform the country.
The cleric also called for synergy between faith based organisations in order to enhance the socio-economic development and good governance.
Also speaking, Prof. Ishiaq Oloyede, Secretary General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, described NASFAT as one of five-star Islamic organisations.
“We believe five-star will not be enough, because people are now talking of seven-star, and I believe NASFAT will be there.”
Lemu prayed that Almighty Allah will continue to strengthen the society.
According to him, the world is changing, and our understanding of Islam must also change with time.
“The application of Islam in the public space must also change”, he said.
