* Tinubu consults Christian clerics
* President is unruffled, says Information Minister
China has cautioned the United States of America against interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs, following threats of military action by the U.S. President, Donald Trump.
In the same vein, Beijing reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing Nigeria as a “comprehensive strategic partner.”
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said the Asian giant “firmly opposes” the use of religion and human rights as excuses to meddle in other nations’ domestic issues or to impose sanctions and threats.
Responding to questions about Trump’s reported warning of possible military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, Mao said China stands solidly with Nigeria’s sovereignty and development path.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions,” she said.
“China also firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs or to threaten them with sanctions and force.”
Nigeria’s Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga shared China’s statement on his X handle on Tuesday, reiterating that the Tinubu administration does not condone any form of religious discrimination or persecution in the country.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has begun consultations with Christian clerics and other religious leaders as part of his administration’s efforts to address growing security concerns and recent warnings issued by the United States government.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday after meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Idris described his visit as part of a routine consultation with the President, adding that discussions covered the U.S. government’s recent security advisory and the administration’s broader strategy to maintain national stability.
“It is a routine we always have with Mr. President. As the Minister of Information, I need to consult with Mr. President from time to time, and this is exactly what we have done”, Idris said.
According to him, President Tinubu remains calm and focused despite the heightened international attention, assuring that the government is working on diplomatic and domestic fronts to clarify Nigeria’s efforts at combating insecurity.
“Of course, the issue of the U.S. threats also came up and we discussed that extensively with Mr. President. Mr. President is calm. He is looking at the whole situation and is seeking ways to ensure that the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing”, Idris revealed.
Addressing suggestions that dialogue with key stakeholders could help ease tensions, Idris confirmed that President Tinubu is engaging religious leaders, including Christian and Muslim clerics, to foster unity and discourage divisive narratives.
“It is a multiple approach. Discussions with the leadership of religious groups are ongoing. Mr. President has been meeting with them and will continue to do so. They are important stakeholders in the Nigerian project”, he explained.
The Minister pointed out that the President had already taken decisive steps to strengthen national security before the U.S. concerns were raised, including the recent appointment of new service chiefs.
“Only two weeks ago, in his desire to rekindle the security architecture of the country, Mr. President reinvigorated the hierarchy of the Armed Forces. These decisions were taken even before the U.S. concerns, showing that he has been working assiduously to make Nigeria safer,” Idris said.
The Minister emphasised that the government is keeping discussions measured to avoid unnecessary tension, while maintaining open lines of communication with international partners. “We don’t want to overheat discussions, but work is ongoing. We have opened channels of communication for international organisations to understand better what Nigeria has been doing and what we intend to do further”, he said.
He rejected claims that Nigeria’s security challenges were rooted in religious intolerance, describing such narratives as “absolutely false.”
Idris said: “Nigeria has Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not adhere to any religion. Our Constitution guarantees everyone the right to practise their faith without hindrance, and Mr. President is committed to respecting that to the letter.”
The Minister blamed extremist elements for attempting to use religion to divide the country. “We have extremists driving this false narrative. Their desired outcome is to see this country divided. This is a time for reflection and unity, not for rhetoric or division. Nation-building requires that all of us come together to protect the Nigeria of our dreams”, he cautioned.
Idris concluded by reaffirming that the Tinubu administration is handling the situation with composure and confidence. “Mr. President is calm and taking this matter very seriously.
All those responsible for reviewing these issues are doing so with the depth and responsibility required. At the end of the day, we believe Nigeria will come out of this stronger”, the Minister added.
