The Buhari-led government has rejected report of an alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria. The United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group on International However President Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu in a statement He also insisted that the Buhari-led administration is increasing The statement reads in full;
The President and Government of Nigeria wish to thank members of the Although it is difficult reading, the statement also acknowledges the It is clear for all to see that there have, for generations in Exacerbating those tensions, our nation has also been in recent times In concert with our American and British allies, Nigeria’s military Boko Haram have targeted Christians and Churches specifically because In the months and years ahead, our President who is Muslim and our – Continuing and increasing Nigeria’s efforts alongside our allies to – Continuing to seek, negotiate for, and secure the return of all – Uniting our nation through dialogue organised around respect for – Addressing, through Joint Federal and State Governments programmes, – Countering fake news – particularly on social and digital media – The President and Government have and will at all times work with In this regard, we look forward to welcoming members of the All-Party
Religious Freedom or Belief (a group made up of British
parliamentarians) in its report, said that Christians are being targeted
because of their faith in Nigeria.
released on behalf of the Presidency said Boko Haram are targeting
Christians in their attacks because they know it drives forward
religious and land tensions already existent in the country.
efforts “to fully defeat and finally finish Boko Haram” and has stopped
seeking to negotiate for those held captive by the insurgents.
United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious
Freedom or Belief for their report, launched a few days ago.
importance of accurate, unbiased, depoliticised and truthful information
when it comes to understanding the realities and addressing the
challenges for those of faith in Nigeria. In this regard when uncritical
attention is afforded to critics with dubious intentions, it only
becomes harder for both the government and people of Nigeria to engage
in constructive dialogue to resolve our differences, and uphold what is
enshrined in our Constitution and laws: that everyone has the right to
freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Nigeria, been tensions between our major religions, Christianity and
Islam – and between herders and farmers – both for access to
ever-decreasing arable and farmland due to a rapidly rising population,
temperatures and desertification through global warming.
and focused within the northern states – subject to vicious and
criminal attacks by the terror group Boko Haram.
have pushed back the terrorists and largely reduced their capacity over
the last five years compared to the previous decade.
they know it drives forward religious and land tensions already
existent in the country. Similarly, they attack mosques and Muslims in
order to issue the threat: radicalise, or become targets yourselves.
Vice President who is an evangelical Christian pastor are irrevocably
committed to addressing these multiple and long-term challenges for
today’s and future generations. These include:
fully defeat and finally finish Boko Haram, in order to bring security
to the north of the country.
those held hostage and in captivity by the terrorists, regardless of the
religious faith or belief.
difference in religion. Such a programme is already underway under the
leadership of the Vice President, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo.
access to arable farmland – with land mandated both for farmers and
herders. The federal government will issue detailed measures regarding
this plan and its rollout in the coming weeks
by working with the non-partisan stakeholder community, the National
Broadcasting Commission and social media platforms themselves, to
address the proliferation of false and inflammatory commentary.
those – both within and without Nigeria – with a concern for the rights
to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Parliamentary Group to our country to see for themselves the work that
is going on to promote these fundamental rights of our citizens.
Buhari’s government rejects report of ‘genocide against Christians in Nigeria’
RELATED ARTICLES