Wike rejects claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria, says allegation is politically motivated

Wike rejects claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria, says allegation is politically motivated

By Johnson Arua

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed recent allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing the narrative as a politically motivated attempt to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on a Channels Television programme monitored in Lagos on Monday, Wike said the claim was “politics taken too far,” and reminiscent of tactics used by opposition figures ahead of the 2015 general elections.

“It is unfair and insulting to allege that a government where I serve is supporting genocide against Christians,” Wike said. “I am a full-blooded Christian. My father is a pastor. It is an indictment on me and on my faith for anyone to make such claims.”

The Minister argued that several key figures in the security architecture of the current administration including the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Chief of Defence Staff are Christians, making it illogical to suggest the government condones religious killings.

“Tell me, how can any right-thinking person say that we, as Christians serving in this government, will sit back and watch our own people killed? Nobody in this government is happy that any life, Christian, Muslim, or non-believer is lost,” he stated.

Wike also defended President Tinubu, noting that the President’s wife is a pastor and that he would never tolerate actions targeted at any religion. He insisted the administration has invested more resources in tackling terrorism than previous governments, rejecting claims of complacency.

The former Rivers State governor accused the opposition of capitalising on insecurity to create religious tension ahead of the 2027 elections.

“This is exactly the same script they used in 2015 against Jonathan. They know no party is currently strong enough to challenge President Tinubu, so they are desperate to create tension. This so-called genocide claim is just a political weapon,” he said.

According to him, acts of terrorism and banditry have affected Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines for over a decade and should not be attributed to the current administration.

“When Benue was under attack before now, Tinubu was not President. When the Chibok girls were kidnapped, Tinubu was not President. Terrorists are killing Christians, Muslims, and non-believers. It is wrong to claim these killings are targeted or sponsored by this government,” he noted.

Wike urged Nigerians and the international community, including the United States, not to be swayed by politically motivated reports, stressing that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace and security.

“I will support any country that genuinely wants to help Nigeria fight terrorism, but no one should use our internal challenges to score political points. This government is not helpless. It is working and will continue to work,” he maintained.