The Presidency has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s insecurity is driven by religious persecution, insisting that violence across the country affects citizens of all faiths and should not be framed as a religious conflict.
The position was stated on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Chieftaincy Matters, Abba Tijjani Hashim, during a meeting with the Methodist Archbishop of Anambra, Most Rev Dr Vincent Onoh, as part of ongoing consultations with religious leaders on peace and national unity.
Hashim warned that narratives portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as genocide or faith based violence could worsen divisions and threaten national cohesion. He stressed the need for unity among Nigerians, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
According to him, insecurity in conflict prone areas has claimed the lives of both Christians and Muslims, citing communities in the North East where residents of different faiths have been equally affected.
He noted that interfaith tensions, particularly in northern parts of the country, have reduced over time due to sustained engagement with religious leaders. Hashim said the government continues to work with imams, pastors and traditional leaders to promote messages of peace and coexistence.
The presidential aide also shared a personal example to highlight Nigeria’s tradition of interfaith trust, noting that his family maintains close relationships across religious lines.
Hashim urged religious leaders to place national interest above divisive narratives and support government efforts to restore peace and security, adding that further dialogue with faith leaders would continue.
Earlier, Archbishop Onoh emphasised that unity remains the foundation for national progress, drawing from his years of experience living in northern Nigeria. He warned that disunity creates opportunities for instability and external threats, while acknowledging recent improvements in security in parts of the South East.
The Archbishop pledged the support of religious leaders for government initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and stability across the country.
