Tinubu hosts Catholic Archbishop Kaigama in Presidential Villa

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Although details of their discussion were not disclosed at the time of filing this report, the meeting comes amid heightened international attention following a post by former United States President Donald Trump.

In the post, Trump alleged that Christians were being persecuted in Nigeria and warned of possible American military intervention if the reported killings persisted.

The meeting between President Tinubu and Archbishop Kaigama is seen as significant, given the sensitivity of the issue and its potential diplomatic and domestic implications.

In a post on his Truth Social platform last Saturday, Trump claimed the Nigerian government was turning a blind eye to the killing of Christians, warning that the United States might “go in guns blazing” and cut off aid if the situation persisted.

The statement drew global backlash and prompted Tinubu to issue a response reaffirming Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to religious liberty and democratic values.

In a message shared on his official X handle, Tinubu stressed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, noting that his administration has maintained open engagement with leaders of all faiths to strengthen peace and security across the country.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” the President said. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.”

Rejecting what he described as “foreign narratives” portraying Nigeria as intolerant, Tinubu maintained that such claims do not reflect the nation’s true character.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Archbishop of the Diocese of Abuja, Most. Rev. Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama. Photo: State House

Reiterating that religious tolerance remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s identity, Tinubu assured that his administration would continue to work with the United States and other international partners to promote mutual understanding and protect all faith communities.

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