Key points:
- Tinubu rejects claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria. He says such talk is “a lie from hell.”
- He speaks in Imo while opening new works and a book. He insists Muslims and Christians live in peace here.
- Bill Maher makes harsh claims on US TV this week. The information minister counters and calls the claims false.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pushed back hard today. He says Nigeria has no faith bias at all. He made this claim in Owerri, Imo State. He came to open projects and launch a new book.
The President spoke to a warm crowd at the event. He said some people “lie all over the place.” He added that they sell fear to the world. He stressed that such talk is “a lie from the pit of hell.”
What Tinubu told the Imo crowd
Tinubu said peace holds firm across faith lines here. He said, “Our Muslim brothers and sisters stand with our Christians.” He added, “We are one people in one land.” He said those who sell hate hurt the nation.
Days ago, an APC aide urged youths to stay calm. He asked them to back reforms and join the work. That theme echoes a recent piece, Tinubu vision needs support. The call asked young people to act with hope.
Maher’s claim and the government reply
Meanwhile, US comic and TV host Bill Maher weighed in. He claimed Nigeria faces a “genocide” against Christians. He said over 100,000 people were killed since 2009. He also claimed that 18,000 churches were burnt down.
Maher further scolded global media for weak coverage. He said the press hides key facts on those deaths. He argued the plan aims to “wipe out” Christians here. He also compared it with the Gaza war.
However, the minister of information has now answered. Mohammed Idris said the claim twists the real facts. He said crime and unrest should not be tagged religious. He warned the world against a false, harsh label.
In addition, he urged critics to review security trends. He said reforms target bandits, not any church or mosque. He added that leaders seek peace in all states. He asked all friends abroad to note real context.
Global voices still talk about Nigeria’s path and role. Last week, a top philanthropist praised our growth curve. He said Nigeria can drive Africa’s rise this decade. See that context in Bill Gates names Nigeria key driver.
For now, the talk around faith and facts stays loud. Tinubu says unity holds, and the state guards all lives. The minister says the numbers shared on TV are wrong. The nation now waits for cooler heads and clear checks.
