The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed testimonies given by two Nigerian Christian clerics before the United States Congress on alleged religious persecution in the country, describing them as “inaccurate” and “misrepresentative” of Nigeria’s security landscape and religious freedom efforts.
In a statement released Friday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government also expressed “serious concerns” over a related social media post by the U.S Embassy in Abuja, which referenced the testimonies of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula.
The two clergymen had appeared before a U.S. Congressional hearing on religious persecution, where they described widespread attacks on Christian communities, accusing the Nigerian state of failing to act.
Reacting to the claims, the Ministry stated, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs observes with concern a recent social media publication by the United States Embassy, Abuja, regarding the security situation in Nigeria and the testimonies provided by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, on the unfortunate alleged threats that have arisen as a result of their testimonies at the U.S. Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria.”
While acknowledging the right of the clerics to speak out, the government maintained that their portrayals did not reflect the broader and more complex reality on the ground.
“Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplify a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression, and association as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution,” the statement noted.
It further challenged the suggestion that religious violence is allowed to flourish unchecked, labeling such claims as “both inaccurate and unfair.”
According to the Ministry, “The government has consistently taken decisive actions, including deploying security forces to areas affected by communal violence, engaging in peace-building efforts between farmers and herders, strengthening intelligence operations to track down criminal elements, and implementing policies to address root causes, including land use reforms and economic development initiatives.”
“It is important to state that, while challenges remain, it is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent,” the statement continued.
“The reality is that Nigeria is fighting multiple security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and organised crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.”
The government also firmly rejected the characterisation of the violence as an orchestrated campaign against Christians or an “Islamist extermination,” as suggested during the Congressional hearing.
“The government will continue to prioritise the protection of the lives and property of its citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity while strengthening national and international cooperation in the fight against insecurity,” it said.
Finally, the Ministry urged the international community and media to present a more balanced picture of Nigeria’s security efforts.
“We therefore call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarisation,” the statement concluded.
