The Federal Government has strongly reacted to the recent remarks made by the United States concerning religious freedom in Nigeria, asserting that the nation remains resolutely dedicated to safeguarding the rights of every citizen and will not be influenced by “external misjudgments of its domestic realities.”
In a Saturday statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the government maintained that Nigeria’s history of religious “tolerance and inclusion speaks for itself,” and it emphasized its ongoing fight against violent extremism which is “fueled by special interests” across the West African and Sahel regions.
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The ministry further stressed its resolve to tackle the issue, stating, “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, signed by Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, characterized Nigeria as a “God-fearing and tolerant nation” where “faith and diversity are celebrated, not politicized.”
It affirmed that “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.”
While recognizing Washington as a long-term partner, the ministry subtly warned against narratives that might undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty or its counter-extremism efforts.
The statement concluded by saying, “The U.S. has been—and we trust will always remain—a close ally, because the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain our laser focus and steadfast commitment to all partners who believe in genuine peace, stability, freedom and democracy.”
The government also honored the victims of terrorism and praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the nation’s enemies as “vicious but cowardly foes,” and promised, “The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.”
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