No religious genocide in Nigeria, President insists

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, dismissed claims of religious genocide in Nigeria, insisting that “no faith is under siege.”

He warned against those attempting to sow division in the country.

Speaking at the unveiling of a book on a decade of APC governance authored by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the President said allegations of persecution were “unfounded and misleading” at a time when Nigerians were focused on harmony and shared prosperity.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Tuesday titled ‘No Religious Genocide In Nigeria, Says President Tinubu In Owerri.

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,” Tinubu told the gathering at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre, Owerri.

His comments follows claims by comedian and political commentator, Bill Maher, who, on his talk show Real Time with Bill Maher, said that “they are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria…literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country.”

However, Tinubu refuted these claims.

He asserted, “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.”

The President added that Nigeria’s diversity was a strength, not a 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,” he said.

Tinubu used the event to reflect on the All Progressives Congress’ ten years in government, arguing that Nigeria was better off than in 2015 when the party took power.

He explained, “Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We promised a change, and I can confidently tell you the worst is over,”

“Under President Muhammadu Buhari, our party began stabilising Nigeria. We invested heavily in infrastructure, pushed back terrorists, and instilled accountability in public finance.

Were there challenges? Yes. Were mistakes made? Yes. But no one can deny that the direction of Nigeria changed for good.”

He acknowledged that while the APC was not perfect, it was “purposeful” and committed to building a Nigeria that valued productivity above handouts.

Tinubu also rebuked critics of his administration especially the Peoples Democratic Party.

“To those who today parade themselves as prophets of solutions, let me say this, those who wasted sixteen years had their chance.

“Nigerians remember the broken promises, the broken power plants, the broken roads and the attempts to usurp democratic institutions using corrupt practices and subterfuge,” Tinubu declared.

The President, who also commissioned projects including the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, the Assumpta Twin flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre, pledged that the South-East would not be left out of his Renewed Hope agenda.

“I am honoured to stand here in Owerri, in the heart of the South-East, a land of industry, intellect, and resilience.

“I know there were times when this region felt left out. But under Renewed Hope, no part of Nigeria will be abandoned.

“The South-East is not on the margins; you are at the centre of our national rebirth,” he said.

Tinubu said his creation of regional development commissions and emphasis on decentralisation would bring progress closer to the people, with Nigerians entitled to hold leaders accountable at federal, state and local levels.

He commended Uzodimma’s scholarship stating: “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 figures 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.

Akpabio praised Tinubu’s education loan scheme, saying it had given “hope to many young people.”

Uzodimma, in turn, thanked the President for consistent support and bold reforms, saying increased federal allocations had allowed states to fund critical projects.

Traditional and religious leaders, diplomats, student groups and market associations were also in attendance.