By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday dismissed claims of religious genocide in Nigeria, insisting that no faith or community is under siege.
Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, at the unveiling of a book authored by Governor Hope Uzodimma on the 10 years of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in power, the President described such allegations as divisive and misleading.
“Let me also say this clearly, 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 told the crowd at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre.
The President warned against external attempts to sow discord: “We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together… No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.”
On Nigeria’s political journey, Tinubu reflected on the APC’s record since 2015: “Ten years ago, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), came into power on the wings of change. Nigeria was at a crossroads… Under President Muhammadu Buhari, our party began stabilising Nigeria. We invested heavily in infrastructure, pushed back terrorists, and instilled accountability in public finance. Were there challenges? Yes. Were mistakes made? Yes. But no one can deny that the direction of Nigeria changed for good.”
The President said while the APC may not be perfect, it remains purposeful: “We are not yet where we want to be, but we are no longer where we were. We are building a Nigeria that values productivity above handouts and is a nation prepared for a sustainable future.”
Tinubu also promised greater inclusion for the South-East: “I am honoured to stand here in Owerri, in the heart of the South-East, a land of industry, intellect, and resilience… The South-East is not on the margins; you are at the centre of our national rebirth.”
At the event, he commissioned the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, the Assumpta Twin Flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Tinubu for initiatives such as NELFUND, which has enabled more underprivileged students to access higher education: “Mr President, you have given hope to many young people. You have invested in agriculture to provide food for millions of Nigerians.”
Governor Uzodimma credited the administration’s policies with stabilising the economy: “Mr President, we are grateful for your support. 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.”
Dignitaries at the event included APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, former chairmen Adams Oshiomhole and Umar Ganduje, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, as well as traditional rulers, religious leaders, and members of the diplomatic community.
The book “A Decade of Leadership in Nigeria” was reviewed by Prof. Benett Chima Nwanguma.
