President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Thursday, told Nigerians not to despair in the face of daunting challenges, saying the federal government was already engaging the United States Government diplomatically over the targeted killings claim.
US President Donald Trump, had last Saturday, asked the US department of war to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria.
He told the Nigerian government to act fast and end the “killing of Christians” in the country, a claim the federal government denied with some data and statistics.
…Tinubu assures
However, President Tinubu said there’s no need for panic, saying the issue was being carefully handled at the diplomatic level.
He also said Nigeria remains on a steady growth trajectory, with more promise of stability and prosperity as economic reforms continue to yield results and gain national and international acceptance.
President Tinubu spoke in Abuja at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting after the swearing-in of two ministers, Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro, and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN).
Doro will manage the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, while Udeh oversees the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
On the current state of the economy and the relationship between Nigeria and the United States, President Tinubu assured that the federal government was engaging with the world diplomatically.
“The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with partners.
“The success of the $2.3 billion eurobond that was oversubscribed by 400% is the most assuring. So, the task ahead is immense; we are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country.
“The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria,” he said.
…Security challenges
On the spate of security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu charged Nigerians not to succumb to despair, assuring that the government will defeat every form of terrorism and secure every part of the country.
He called on ministers and other officials to ensure consistency in communication and avoid discordant messaging.
“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism. We will overcome the CPC designation. Nigeria is one happy family, and we shall spare no effort until we eliminate all criminals from our society. We want our friends to help us as we step up our fight against terrorism, and we will eliminate it,” the president said.
…CAN leader urges support
Also, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Chikun and Kajuru local government areas of Kaduna state, Reverend Aminu Ayuka, dismissed Trump’s claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Ayuka said such claims “do not reflect the reality on ground,” adding that “the security challenges facing Nigeria affect citizens of all faiths — Christians, Muslims, and those without any religious affiliation.”
He urged the international community, particularly the United States government and world leaders, “to stand with Nigeria by providing genuine support that strengthens peace, security, and economic development, rather than spreading fear or division.”
He said: “What Nigeria needs now is partnership that fosters unity and progress, not narratives that deepen mistrust or misrepresent our realities.”
The cleric commended Kaduna state governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his inclusive leadership and peace-building efforts across the state, describing him as “a unifying figure who governs beyond religious or ethnic lines.”
He said the governor’s approach had helped to restore confidence among communities and promote coexistence in the state.
…Chinese envoy assures support
In a related development, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said his country would continue to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
Dunhai said this Thursday at a meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
According to him, China “firmly supports” the Nigerian government in its developmental plans that “fits Nigeria’s national realities”.
Dunhai said China opposes the interference of any country in the internal affairs of Nigeria “under the pretext of religion and human rights.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities.”
He said: “We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanction and use of force.
“China is willing to continue supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining domestic stability.”
His position reinforced that of China’s foreign ministry which, at a press conference in Beijing, Tuesday, cautioned against interference in Nigeria’s affairs.
…League of Imams, Alfas
Also, the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland Thursday advised the United States of America and international bodies to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In a communique issued at the end of its meeting in Ibadan, Oyo state, they urged the USA and others to avoid any form of generalisations or external interference that could undermine internal peace efforts in Nigeria.
The league, in a communique read by Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, said there’s nothing like any form of genocidal act or targeted religious persecution in Nigeria.
The meeting resolved that the international bodies and world leaders, particularly the United States of America, should respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, has continued to thrive as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, bound by a shared history of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among her citizens.
“The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, under the leadership of its eminent scholars and spiritual guides, having gathered in an emergency consultative session to deliberate on the recent statement allegedly made by the President of the United States regarding a so-called genocidal situation in Nigeria, hereby issues this communiqué to set the record straight and reaffirm our collective position as patriotic Nigerians and faithful Muslims,” it said.
The communique added: “Our Stand on the Alleged Genocide Claim: The League categorically rejects and refutes the claim of any form of genocidal act or targeted religious persecution in Nigeria.
“Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, has continued to thrive as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, bound by a shared history of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among her citizens”.
The league stressed “While we recognize that there may be isolated incidents of insecurity or communal misunderstanding, these should not be misrepresented as genocidal acts or systemic oppression of one faith by another.
“Such generalizations are misleading, divisive, and detrimental to the unity and peace we have been striving to maintain”.
Emphasizing that Muslims in Nigeria, especially in Yorubaland have lived, worked, and interacted peacefully with Christians and adherents of other faiths for centuries, the communique said: “The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land remains committed to this legacy of moderation and centrism, which has guided our interactions and teachings for generations.
“Nigeria’s Sovereignty Must Be Respected: We urge all international bodies and world leaders, particularly the United States of America, to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and avoid hasty generalizations or external interference that could undermine our internal peace efforts. Nigeria is a sovereign state, and our domestic challenges like those faced by many nations should be addressed through national dialogue, cooperation, and home-grown solutions, not through foreign impositions or biased narratives.”
“We, the Imams and Alfas of Yoruba Land, call upon all Nigerians, Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists alike to remain steadfast in peace, mutual respect, and national unity. Let us continue to demonstrate that our diversity is our strength and that faith and ethnicity should never be used as tools of division,” the league added.
