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The head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has rejected the latest comment from U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed Nigeria is targeting Christians.

In a series of messages posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the ex-lawmaker called the perception inaccurate and unjust, urging Trump to back the Bola Tinubu administration’s initiatives in combating terrorists who have killed innocent people.

Dabiri-Erewa mentioned that both Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already addressed the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to claims of religious persecution.

She stated, “@officialABAT’s response to @POTUS regarding the classification of Nigeria as a CPC. @NigeriaMFA has also released a firm statement. @nidcom_gov calls on Nigerians both within the country and abroad to remain united on this issue.”

The perception is definitely not accurate. There are problems with evil terrorists in certain areas of the country, that’s undeniable. What @POTUS should do is back the government’s initiatives to eliminate them, rather than incorrectly criticizing our nation.

She stated that Nigeria under Tinubu “continues to firmly support democracy, religious freedom, and constitutional protections that safeguard people of every religion.”

She called on Nigerians across the globe to stay united in creating a country “built on unity, tolerance, and mutual respect.”

Her response came after Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform on Friday and Saturday, in which he stated that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria and cautioned that the U.S. could “go in guns blazing” if the killings persisted.

“If the Nigerian Government keeps permitting the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately halt all aid and support to Nigeria, and could potentially enter that once-revered nation ‘with guns blazing,’” Trump stated.

The remark drew extensive backlash, leading Tinubu to release a formal statement reiterating Nigeria’s dedication to democracy and freedom of religion.

On a post via his X account, Tinubu highlighted that the Nigerian Constitution ensures freedom of religion and that his government continues to work closely with leaders from all religious backgrounds to foster peace and safety.

Nigeria is a democracy that strongly upholds the constitutional provisions ensuring freedom of religion.

“Since 2023, our government has kept an open and proactive dialogue with leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities, and remains committed to tackling security issues that impact people of all faiths and regions,” he stated.

Tinubu dismissed external stories that depict Nigeria as religiously intolerant, calling them incorrect and not representative of the country’s variety and harmony.

“The portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not align with our national reality, nor does it acknowledge the ongoing and genuine efforts of the government to protect freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he said.

Reiterating Nigeria’s position, the President stated that religious tolerance “has been a fundamental aspect of our shared identity and will continue to be so.”

He also promised to keep collaborating with the United States and other international partners to enhance shared comprehension and safeguard communities of every religion.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).