The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a stern response to former United States President Donald Trump's recent claims about alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, describing the allegations as unfounded and misleading.
In a strongly worded statement, the NOA expressed disappointment with what it called "unverified intelligence" from US sources that formed the basis of Trump's comments. The agency emphasized that Nigeria maintains religious freedom and harmony among its diverse population.
Questioning the Intelligence Sources
The NOA director-general specifically challenged the credibility of the intelligence that prompted Trump's statements, suggesting that such claims could damage Nigeria's international reputation and undermine the government's efforts to promote religious tolerance.
"We find these allegations not only baseless but potentially harmful to the peaceful coexistence we continue to foster among all religious groups in Nigeria," the agency stated.
Defending Nigeria's Religious Landscape
The agency highlighted Nigeria's constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of worship for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. They pointed to the country's diverse religious makeup, where Christians and Muslims have coexisted for generations.
Officials emphasized that while isolated incidents of conflict may occur, these do not constitute systematic persecution or genocide against any religious group.
Call for Fact-Based Reporting
The NOA urged international media and foreign governments to verify their information through proper channels before making public statements about Nigeria's internal affairs. They offered to provide accurate data and facilitate proper briefings for foreign officials seeking to understand Nigeria's religious dynamics.
This response comes amid growing concern about how Nigeria is portrayed in international discourse, particularly regarding security and religious matters.
