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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed claims that the Tinubu administration is biased along religious lines, insisting that Nigeria upholds the right to freedom of religion.
Speaking during an interview with CNN on Tuesday night, October 28, Idris rejected assertions by some foreign officials suggesting that terrorists in Nigeria primarily target Christians. He described such claims as misleading and not reflective of the country’s complex security dynamics.
“Some of the claims made by certain officials of the United States are based on faulty data and assumptions that the victims of violence are largely Christians. Yes, Christians have been attacked, but these criminals do not target only one religion — they also attack Muslims. We have seen this especially in the northern part of the country,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that Nigeria remains a tolerant nation that respects freedom of religion, warning that spreading false narratives of religious intolerance could deepen divisions between Christians and Muslims.
“Characterizing these attacks as solely against Christians could push Nigeria toward unnecessary division. The criminals want to make it seem like there is a war between Christians and Muslims. We have seen attacks on both sides. It is wrong to portray Nigeria as a country that does not tolerate religious freedom, and equally wrong to suggest that the entire nation is unsafe. Nigeria is indeed a safe country,” he stated.
Idris acknowledged that security challenges persist but assured that the government is addressing them with sustained commitment.
“Yes, we have experienced security challenges, but there is a massive drive by the government to ensure that Nigeria becomes ultimately safe for everyone,” he added.
