The Federal Government (FG) has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains calm, composed, and fully focused on the nation’s security despite threats of military action from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed this position while addressing journalists after a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“Mr President is calm. He is looking at the whole situation; he is looking at the ways and means of ensuring that the international community understands what we have been doing,” Idris stated.
According to the Minister, President Tinubu’s priority remains strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and ensuring peace across all regions. He highlighted the recent reorganization of the Armed Forces—including the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs—as part of the administration’s renewed commitment to national safety.
“The President is working assiduously to make Nigeria safer for all, irrespective of tribe or religion,” Idris emphasized.
Addressing Religious Tolerance and International Perceptions
Minister Idris also addressed the concerns raised by President Trump, following Nigeria’s re-listing by the United States as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious-freedom violations. He dismissed the allegations as baseless and misleading, insisting that Nigeria remains a nation that values and protects religious diversity.
“For us to be characterized as a country that is not tolerant when it comes to religion is not accurate. This is absolutely false,” Idris declared.
He reminded the global community that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freely practice their faith without interference. The Minister added that the country’s security challenges stem not from state policy but from extremist elements seeking to sow division.
“We have these security challenges, but nowhere has there been any decision to favour one religion over another or to inflict violence based on faith,” he explained. “What has happened is that we have extremists driving a dangerous narrative.”
A Call for Unity and Nation-Building
In his concluding remarks, Idris urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid divisive rhetoric during this sensitive period.
“This is not a time for division; it is not a time for rhetoric. It is a time for nation-building,” he appealed.