Nigerian Presidency Rejects U.S. Claims of Christian Persecution

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, dismissed U.S. congressional claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, asserting that the Tinubu administration promotes religious tolerance. He noted few incidents of persecution since May 29, 2023, and criticized the U.S. report for lack of context. The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee recommended sanctions against Nigeria citing violence against Christians. The Nigerian government maintains that violence is due to terrorism and banditry, not religious conflict.

The Nigerian presidency has rebutted allegations from the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa concerning Christian persecution in Nigeria. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, stated that the current administration, since assuming office on May 29, 2023, has actively promoted religious tolerance, noting little to no incidence of persecution against Christians in the country.

Bwala emphasized the administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, clarifying that the assertions made by the U.S. congressional committee lacked proper context and timelines. “The committee’s report falls short of context and timelines,” he remarked, reiterating that the belief in the existence of widespread persecution is unfounded.

The U.S. subcommittee recently recommended that former President Donald Trump impose sanctions on Nigeria, citing failures by the Nigerian government to protect Christian communities against violence. This recommendation followed a hearing where U.S. lawmakers expressed concerns regarding the safety of Christians in Nigeria.

During the congressional hearing, Committee Chairman Chris Smith referenced a report which stated that Nigeria is responsible for 90% of global killings of Christians annually. The report indicated that between October 2019 and September 2023, approximately 55,910 individuals were killed, and 21,000 abducted, largely due to terrorist activities.

Additionally, testimony from Bishop Wilfred Anagbe highlighted the ongoing threats faced by Christian communities in Nigeria. In light of these claims, the Nigerian government maintains that incidents of violence are primarily caused by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than religious animosity.

Although security challenges persist in the nation, the Tinubu administration remains resolute in its dedication to fostering safety and harmony among all religious groups in Nigeria, asserting that the reported situation does not accurately reflect the realities of religious dynamics in the country.

In conclusion, the Nigerian presidency has firmly dismissed claims of widespread persecution of Christians, asserting that the Tinubu administration prioritizes religious tolerance and national security. The government contests the validity of the U.S. congressional report and emphasizes that Nigeria’s challenges result from terrorism and other conflicts, not religious targeting. Despite ongoing concerns, the administration intends to ensure the safety and coexistence of all religious communities.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com