October 01, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, dismissed claims of religious genocide in Nigeria, insisting that no faith group in the country is under siege.
Speaking at the unveiling of a book on the 10 years of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in power, authored by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, the President described such allegations as “unfounded and misleading”.
“Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. 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”, Tinubu declared at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre, Owerri.
The President, who also commissioned key projects in the state, including the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road, the Assumpta Twin Flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre, stressed that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a weakness.
“We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us”, he added.
On the APC’s decade in power, President Tinubu said the ruling party had steered Nigeria away from collapse since 2015. He acknowledged challenges and mistakes but maintained that the country was better positioned today.
“APC may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. We will not allow Nigeria to return to the wasted years of drift. We are not yet where we want to be, but we are no longer where we were”, he said.
The event was attended by top political leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Senate President, former Senate Presidents Pius Anyim and Ahmad Lawan, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and former APC chairmen Adams Oshiomhole and Umar Ganduje. Abia State Governor Alex Otti, traditional rulers, religious leaders, diplomats, student unions, and market associations were also present.
Akpabio commended the President’s initiatives, particularly the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said had widened access to higher education for underprivileged students.
Governor Uzodimma, who also serves as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, praised Tinubu’s leadership, noting that increased federal allocations had enabled states to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
He said his book, A Decade of Leadership in Nigeria, was written to document the party’s achievements and inspire future generations.
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