No Nation Matches Nigeria’s Religious Tolerance — Ex-Lawmaker Tola Banjo Warns Against Foreign Interference

FSmagNovember 4, 202503 mins

Abeokuta, Ogun State — November 4, 2025

The Director General of the Grassroot Movement for Tinubu (GMT), Ogun State Chapter, Rt. Hon. Tola Banjo, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s enviable record of religious tolerance, describing the country as one of the most religiously harmonious nations in the world.

Reacting to recent remarks credited to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged ongoing “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, Banjo cautioned against what he termed “unwarranted foreign interference” in the country’s internal affairs.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abeokuta, the former Ogun State House of Assembly member emphasized that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation capable of addressing its internal challenges through dialogue, mutual respect, and homegrown solutions.

“No country accommodates religious diversity like Nigeria. Muslims and Christians coexist peacefully across communities, and while we may face challenges, they are ours to address as a people,” Banjo stated.

He further explained that external narratives often misrepresent Nigeria’s realities, deepening divisions rather than fostering understanding. According to him, the Nigerian people have, over the years, demonstrated remarkable resilience and tolerance in maintaining religious harmony despite cultural and ethnic diversity.

Banjo urged global leaders and international observers to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and to support, rather than undermine, the country’s ongoing efforts toward national unity and peaceful coexistence.

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to fostering inclusion, dialogue, and equity among all Nigerians, noting that such policies are essential to sustaining peace in a pluralistic society.

“Our diversity is our strength, not a weakness. The world must learn to appreciate the Nigerian model of coexistence rather than fuel misconceptions that can threaten our stability,” he concluded.