Nigeria Denies Religious Extremism, Reaffirms Commitment to Peace After Trump’s Designation
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports the Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed the United States, U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision which placed Nigeria on the list of “Countries of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution, insisting that insecurity in the country is not driven by religion.
OTN News further reports that the government in a statement released on Saturday, reaffirmed its dedication to combating violent extremism and protecting all citizens regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s challenges with insecurity are not driven by any particular faith group but by special interests seeking to sow division across the West African and Sahel regions,” the statement read.
"We remain committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism that is fueled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions,” the statement read.
The Federal Government also expressed sympathy for victims of terrorism while commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their continued sacrifices in defending the nation.
We mourn all the victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes. The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion,” it stated.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and national unity, the government highlighted the country’s shared democratic values with the United States.
Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order,” the statement added.
While describing the U.S. as a “close ally,” the government expressed confidence that bilateral relations would remain strong under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“The U.S. has been, and we trust will always remain, a close ally. The Tinubu administration will maintain its steadfast commitment to partners who believe in peace, stability, freedom, and democracy,” it affirmed.
OTN News had earlier reported that Trump had on Friday announced the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing reports of continued attacks on Christians and warning of an “existential threat” from radical groups.
However, the Nigerian government maintains that claims of widespread religious extremism are exaggerated by vested interests, reiterating its commitment to national unity, peace, and inclusive governance.
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