The Federal Government (FG) on Thursday, November 6 asserted that it remains calm and stable, dismissing any notion of “panic mode” following the position of the United States on alleged violence targeting Christians in the country.

 

 

 

The assurance was delivered by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while addressing journalists after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

 

 

The Minister confirmed that Nigeria has officially opened channels of discussion with the United States to address the issue diplomatically, preferring a measured approach over escalating public rhetoric.

 

 

 

 

Idris stated that the Nigerian government is genuinely taking the US concerns seriously, but stressed the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens, regardless of their religion or ethnic background.

 

 

 

“The government of Nigeria is indeed very stable. The President is calm. The Federal Executive Council members are indeed very calm. That is not to discountenance the issue. We are not saying that,” the Minister affirmed. “The killing of even one Nigerian citizen is of concern to the government of Nigeria.”

 

 

The Minister acknowledged the existence of security challenges, including violence in parts of the country, but insisted that the government is actively working to address them with a “greatest sense of responsibility.” He reiterated that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right of everyone to worship without hindrance, a commitment the government fully intends to uphold.

 

 

 

 

 

Idris concluded by appealing for cooperation, noting that terrorism and violence from extremists are not problems that can be solved by one country alone. He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing regional and international security cooperation, including its partnership with the United States.

 

 

“We are responding responsibly, steadily and in the interest of our country also taking into account the concerns both from within and outside this country of what the situation in this [country is],” he concluded, emphasizing Nigeria’s tolerance for all religions.