President Bola Tinubu says allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria are unfounded, noting that the country is built on the faith and resilience of its people.
Speaking in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on Tuesday, Tinubu said no religion is under threat in the country, noting that Nigerians have, after 65 years of independence, learnt to appreciate their cultural and religious diversity.
The president spoke at the launch of a book authored by Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, to mark 10 years of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in power.
He was speaking against the backdrop of recent claims that terrorists in Nigeria are waging a systematic genocide against Christians.
Tinubu also commissioned the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, the Assumpta twin flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre.
“Let me also say this clearly: Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people,” Tinubu said.
“Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded. Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side – not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.
“We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together.”
The president said the APC government has changed the course of Nigeria since it came into power in 2015.
“Under President Muhammadu Buhari, our party began stabilising Nigeria. We invested heavily in infrastructure, pushed back terrorists, and instilled accountability in public finance,” he said.
“Were there challenges? Yes. Were mistakes made? Yes. But no one can deny that the direction of Nigeria changed for good. APC may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. And we will not allow Nigeria to return to the wasted years of drift.”
Tinubu said the renewed hope agenda is designed to ensure no part of the country feels excluded.
“I know there were times when this region felt left out. But under renewed hope, no part of Nigeria will be abandoned,” he said.
“The south-east is not on the margins; you are at the centre of our national rebirth.”
Uzodimma, who also chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, said increased federal allocations have enabled states to deliver more infrastructure projects.
“Mr President, we are grateful for your support,” he said.
“It is through your courage and bold policies that our economy is stabilised today. Most of the projects we undertake in Imo are made possible by the continuous funding we receive from time to time.”
The event was attended by Nentawe Yilwatda, APC national chairman, former party chairmen Adams Oshiomhole and Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as former Senate Presidents Ahmad Lawan and Anyim Pius Anyim.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, diplomats and members of civil society were also present.