The Nigerian Presidency, through Daniel Bwala, has denied claims by the U.S. Congress of widespread Christian persecution in Nigeria, asserting the administration’s commitment to religious tolerance. Bwala highlighted a lack of significant cases of persecution since May 2023, disputing the contextual accuracy of the congressional report that prompted calls for sanctions against Nigeria. He emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring safety and harmony among all religious groups while attributing violence to non-religious factors.
The Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has formally rejected assertions from the United States House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa alleging the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. In a press statement, he highlighted that the current administration endorses religious tolerance and noted an absence of significant cases of Christian persecution since taking office on May 29, 2023.
Bwala stated, “The administration of President Bola Tinubu promotes religious tolerance. Since May 29, 2023, when President Tinubu assumed office as President, there have been little or no cases at all of persecution of Christians anywhere in the country.” He also questioned the context and factual accuracy of the congressional report, arguing that it lacked essential context and timeframes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering peace and religious tolerance.
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, following a recent congressional hearing, recommended sanctions against Nigeria due to alleged widespread killings of Christians. During the hearing, Committee Chairman Chris Smith referenced a report indicating that Nigeria is responsible for 90% of global Christian fatalities annually from 2019 to 2023, with over 55,000 deaths attributed to terrorist actions.
The subcommittee also cited Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Diocese of Makurdi, who recounted serious attacks on Christian communities. Bwala’s remarks reflect the Nigerian government’s dismissal of these allegations, asserting that they misrepresent the security landscape in Nigeria. According to the administration, ongoing violence is primarily attributed to terrorism, banditry, and intercommunal disputes, not religious motives.
Despite ongoing security concerns, the Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety of all religious groups within Nigeria and advocating for religious coexistence, emphasizing its proactive measures to enhance national security and religious harmony since taking office.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Presidency has firmly countered allegations of Christian persecution asserted by U.S. Congress, promoting the agenda of religious tolerance. The administration argues that incidents of persecution are grossly overstated and reflect misrepresentation of Nigeria’s complexities. Continuous efforts are being made to improve security and foster harmonious coexistence among various religious communities, reinforcing the government’s stance against external claims of religious discrimination.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
