The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to remain united and resist divisive narratives following recent military threats by the United States President, Donald Trump.
Information and National Guidance Minister Mohammed Idris said on Tuesday that accusations of genocide against Christians were false and driven by religious extremists seeking to destabilize the country.
He spoke with House of Representatives correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and stressed that President Tinubu has remained calm amid Trump’s comments and is working to ensure that the international community understands the true situation of Nigeria.
Idris said the government has taken several measures to strengthen national security, including the appointment of new service chiefs, as part of efforts to curb insecurity.
He noted that President Tinubu is engaging relevant stakeholders, including religious leaders and international partners, to maintain peace and unity.
“President Tinubu will continue to engage not only with the United States but also with regional and continental bodies as well as all international partners who play a role in supporting Nigeria to overcome criminal elements that spread false narratives that damage the country’s reputation,” he said.
Maintaining that Nigeria is not defined by religious intolerance, Idris said: “Our constitution guarantees freedom of religion for Muslims, Christians and others alike, and the president fully respects it.”
He warned Nigerians against falling for extremist propaganda, adding: “These extremists want to divide Nigeria, but now is the time for unity and nation building, not division. President Tinubu is calm and committed to resolving these issues responsibly.”
He described his meeting with the President as part of routine consultations that also addressed concerns raised by the US government.
Idris reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces and maintaining open communication with international bodies to foster understanding of Nigeria’s efforts.
This comes after Trump, in a post on his Truth Social account a few days ago, ordered the US War Department to prepare for possible actions in Nigeria.
He accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to what he described as killings of Christians across the country.
Trump warned that the United States would immediately suspend all aid and assistance to Nigeria if attacks on Christians continue.
He also indicated that the United States could intervene militarily to eliminate what he called “Islamic terrorists” responsible for the murders.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the slaughter of Christians, the United States will immediately suspend all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go to that now-disgraced country, ‘with guns,’ to completely eliminate the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote.
He further stated: “I hereby instruct our War Department to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be quick, cruel and sweet, just like terrorist thugs attack our beloved Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”
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