The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting that Nigeria violates religious freedom, insisting that the country remains a tolerant and multi-faith nation.
Speaking during an interview with CNN on Tuesday, October 28, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris rejected claims by some foreign officials that terrorist groups in Nigeria primarily target Christians. He described the assertions as misleading and based on inaccurate information.
“Some of these claims are founded on faulty data and assumptions that victims of violence are mostly Christians,” Idris said. “Yes, Christians have been attacked, but these criminals also target Muslims. The violence is not driven by religion but by criminality and insecurity that affects everyone.”
The minister emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, adding that portraying the country as divided along religious lines could deepen mistrust between faith communities.
“Framing it as a religious conflict plays into the hands of those who want to divide us,” he said. “We have seen attacks on both Christians and Muslims. It is wrong to suggest that Nigeria does not respect religious freedom or that the entire country is unsafe. Nigeria is indeed a safe and tolerant nation.”
Idris acknowledged that while security challenges persist, the government is making significant progress in tackling them. “Yes, there are challenges,” he said, “but there is also a strong, sustained effort by this administration to restore peace and ensure safety for all Nigerians.”
The minister’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about religious freedom and security in Nigeria, with the Tinubu administration reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens regardless of faith.
Source:Africa Publicity
