Nigeria will emerge stronger from the recent diplomatic tension between it and the United States government.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Tuesday while speaking with journalists, shortly after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
The United States government had last week designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.
The United States President, Donald Trump, also threatened military action against those he described as Islamist groups, whom he accused of persecuting Christians.
The Information Minister disclosed that President Tinubu remains calm, taking the issue ‘very seriously’ and determined to stick to initiatives to counter false narratives against the country.
Honourable Idris also disclosed that institutions of government are currently examining the situation ‘with the depth that it requires.’
He restated the Federal Government position that Nigeria remains a tolerant, multi-faith nation and every steps would be taken by the administration to convince the international community of the true position of happenings in the country.
He said: ‘This is not the time for division or rhetoric; it is a time for nation-building and unity. We will come out of this very strongly.’
The Information Minister declared that President Tinubu has intensified engagements with religious leaders, regional blocs, and international partners to counter ‘false narratives’ being promoted by extremist elements.
He maintained that ongoing dialogues with religious leaders will be sustained as they are ‘important stakeholders in the Nigerian project.’
‘Nowhere has there been any decision to favour one religion over the other or inflict violence on any faith. Our constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and Mr President will continue to uphold that.’
The Information Minister further declared that the recent change in Service Chiefs, which predated recent concern raised by the Trump administration, was evidence of a proactive measure by the Tinubu administration to strengthen national security.
‘As a government, we don’t want to overheat the discussion but work is ongoing, and we have opened channels of communication to ensure the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing and intends to do to keep this country safe for all.’
He further admonished Nigerians to be wary of actions that seek to divide the country, particularly from extremist groups.
‘This is not who we are as a country. Nigeria remains a united, tolerant nation and the President is committed to safeguarding that.’