The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has opened diplomatic channels to engage the United States following President Donald Trump’s controversial threat of military action in Nigeria.
Idris, who spoke with reporters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, November 4, said the government was intensifying discussions with global partners to clarify Nigeria’s efforts in combating terrorism and protecting religious freedom.
“We have also opened channels of communication so that the international community will understand what Nigeria has been doing better, and also what we intend to further do,” Idris stated.
The minister dismissed Trump’s claims of Christian persecution, describing them as “a narrative driven by extremists who wish to divide the country.”
“We know that this is not who we are as a country. For us to be characterised as a country that is not tolerant when it comes to religion is not accurate. This is absolutely false,” Idris said.
READ ALSO: Presidency to Trump: Stop Judging Nigeria With Outdated Claims
He reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s administration would continue engaging religious leaders to promote peace and tolerance.
“It’s a multiple approach. Discussion with the leadership of the religious groups is an ongoing effort. Mister President has been meeting with them, and of course, he will continue to do that,” he added.
Idris called on Nigerians to unite in the face of external pressure, urging them to reject divisive rhetoric and focus on building a peaceful and inclusive nation.
“This is not the time for division or politics. It is a time for nation building, for us to come together so that we can continue to have the Nigeria of our dream,” the minister said.
President Trump had, in a post on his Truth Social platform, accused Nigeria of persecuting Christians and threatened a “fast, vicious, and sweet” U.S. military response if the killings persisted.
The statement, which sparked global outrage, was followed by Trump’s reaffirmation aboard Air Force One that military options “could be” considered.