President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, dismissed allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria, affirming that no faith is under siege and warning against attempts to sow division in the country.
Speaking at the unveiling of a book on a decade of APC governance by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Tinubu described claims of religious persecution as “unfounded and misleading” at a time when Nigerians are focused on harmony and shared prosperity.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said:
“Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded. Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side—not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.”
🌍 Responding to International Criticism
The President’s remarks followed claims by comedian and political commentator Bill Maher, who stated on Real Time with Bill Maher that Christians in Nigeria were being systematically targeted. Tinubu firmly refuted the allegations:
“We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions.”
⚡ Diversity as Nigeria’s Strength
Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity is a source of strength, not weakness:
“Our duty is to stand guard over our unity, protect every citizen, and continue to prove to the world that our diversity is not our weakness, but our strength.”
🏗️ Reflecting on APC Governance
Using the occasion to review the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) ten years in government, Tinubu highlighted the progress made since 2015:
- Stabilization of the nation under former President Muhammadu Buhari
- Heavy investment in infrastructure development
- Efforts to combat terrorism and enforce public financial accountability
Acknowledging that challenges existed, Tinubu asserted that “the worst is over,” and described APC’s governance as “purposeful” and focused on productivity over handouts.
He also criticized opposition party PDP for past mismanagement:
“Those who wasted sixteen years had their chance. Nigerians remember the broken promises, broken power plants, and broken roads.”
🛣️ Projects and Regional Development
During the event, Tinubu commissioned multiple projects including:
- Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road
- Assumpta Twin Flyover
- Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre
He reassured the South-East that no region would be left out under his Renewed Hope agenda, highlighting regional development commissions and decentralization policies aimed at bringing progress closer to the people.
📚 Support for Scholarship and Leadership
Tinubu praised Governor Uzodimma for his scholarship, noting:
“Hope has given Nigeria a gift: a reminder that nations must write their own stories, and leaders must account for their stewardship.”
The event drew top APC leaders, including National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, former party leaders Adams Oshiomhole and Abdullahi Ganduje, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and former Senate Presidents Anyim Pius Anyim and Ahmad Lawan.
👥 Attendees and Highlights
Other attendees included traditional and religious leaders, diplomats, student groups, and market associations. Akpabio praised Tinubu’s education loan scheme, which has benefited many young Nigerians. Uzodimma acknowledged the President’s support, noting that increased federal allocations had allowed states to fund critical infrastructure projects.
