President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday delivered a forceful rebuttal against allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria, insisting that the claims are “unfounded and misleading.” Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, the President warned against individuals attempting to sow division and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to unity.
Speaking at the unveiling of a book chronicling a decade of APC governance, authored by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, President Tinubu directly addressed recent claims, notably those made by comedian Bill Maher, who alleged an attempt to “systematically kill the Christians in Nigeria.”
The President firmly dismissed these notions, asserting that “no faith is under siege” in the country.
“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.
He issued a stern warning against foreign interference and divisive narratives: “We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions.” He emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity is its strength, and the government’s duty is to protect every citizen.
Defending the APC’s Decade of Governance
The event served as a platform for the President to reflect on the All Progressives Congress (APC)‘s performance since taking power in 2015. He expressed confidence that the worst challenges faced by the nation are now over.
- Progress Under APC: “Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We promised a change, and I can confidently tell you the worst is over,” Tinubu said, crediting the previous administration with stabilizing the country, investing in infrastructure, pushing back terrorists, and instilling accountability.
- Rebuke to Critics: Tinubu did not hold back against the opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He argued that critics who had wasted “sixteen years had their chance,” and reminded Nigerians of the “broken promises, the broken power plants, the broken roads and the attempts to usurp democratic institutions” that marked that era.
Commitment to the South-East
In a significant pledge to the host region, President Tinubu assured the audience that the South-East would be integral to his Renewed Hope agenda.
“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 declared.
The President reinforced his promise by commissioning key infrastructure projects, including the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, the Assumpta Twin flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre.
The event drew a massive gathering of high-ranking APC officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and former Senate Presidents Anyim Pius Anyim and Ahmad Lawan.
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