By Ihechi Enyinnaya
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed claims of religious genocide in Nigeria, insisting that no faith or community is under siege in the country.
Speaking on Tuesday 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 said the allegations of persecution were unfounded and aimed at sowing division among Nigerians.
“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 gathering at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre.
He warned against allowing “outsiders” to define Nigeria, stressing that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity and resilience. “No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us,” he declared.
The President also defended the APC’s decade in office, acknowledging challenges but insisting that the party had rescued Nigeria from collapse. He credited former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration with stabilising the country through investments in infrastructure, counterterrorism efforts, and accountability in public finance.
“APC may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. And we will not allow Nigeria to return to the wasted years of drift,” Tinubu said, adding that under his Renewed Hope agenda, “the worst is over.”
During his visit, President Tinubu commissioned key projects, including the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, the Assumpta Twin Flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre.
The event was attended by prominent political leaders, including APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, former APC chairmen Adams Oshiomhole and Umar Ganduje, governors of APC states, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, as well as National Assembly leaders and traditional rulers.
Commending Governor Uzodimma, Tinubu described the book A Decade of Leadership in Nigeria as a “gift” that documents the progress made under the APC. He further assured the South-East of greater inclusion in national development, promising that “no part of Nigeria will be abandoned.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the President’s policies, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), while Governor Uzodimma credited increased federal allocations with enabling sub-national governments to embark on infrastructural and social projects.
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