FG reaffirms commitment to religious freedom after Trump reposts Nigerian pastor’s distress call video

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has REAFFIRMED the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protecting religious freedom and constitutional rights across the country.

The minister stated this after a meeting with the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith, and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.

According to Idris, Nigeria remains committed to preserving its identity as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation.

“We are very proudly a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, and will always cherish and nurture this diversity that strengthens us,” the minister stated.

He added that Nigeria deeply values the support and solidarity of the United Kingdom and would continue strengthening collaboration with both local and international stakeholders in combating religious extremism and violence.

The meeting comes amid growing international attention over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria following comments made by United States President Donald Trump.

Trump had on Saturday reposted a video message by Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), on his Truth Social platform. The US President captioned the repost: “NIGERIA PASTOR SPEAKS OUT — THE WORLD NEEDS TO LISTEN.”

In the emotional video, Reverend Dachomo appealed to the international community and the United States government over what he described as killings of Christians in Nigeria.

“United Nations, I know you are watching me. American Senate, you are watching what I am doing, what I am saying here? Special Adviser, tell Trump now! Tell Trump to save our lives in Nigeria. They are killing Christians, massacring Christians in Nigeria,” the cleric said in the video.