The Federal Government on Thursday said it was calm and not in panic following threats of military invasion by the United States President, Donald Trump, over alleged attacks against Christians in Nigeria, adding that it had opened formal diplomatic channels with the U.S. to address the matter.
It also clarified that Nigeria is responding responsibly, strategically, and in line with its constitutional obligation to protect all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, after the Federal Executive Council meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria remains a religiously tolerant nation and will continue to uphold the right of every citizen to practice their faith freely and without fear.
“But there is no panic mode here. 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,” Idris told journalists at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The remarks come just days after comments by Trump, who threatened military intervention in Nigeria over the alleged killing of Christians.
Responding to whether the U.S. position is affecting governance at home, Idris said discussions have already commenced with American officials through appropriate diplomatic channels.
He insisted that Nigeria prefers a diplomatic resolution rather than escalating rhetoric.
“Have we had any discussions with the US? Yes. Channels have been opened. We prefer that this situation is solved diplomatically.
“Let me say that the government of Nigeria is really very stable. The President is calm. Like we have said, he’s calm. The Federal Executive Council members are indeed very calm.
“That is not to discountenance the issue. We are not saying that,” he noted.
The PUNCH
