02/11/2025
Beyond Promises: The True Test of Nigeria’s Religious Freedom
“A nation that fails to protect its people has lost its moral compass.”
By [OladipoOluwatosin]
Editorial Introduction
Following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement describing Nigeria as “a country of particular concern” for Christian persecution, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu responded, reaffirming Nigeria’s constitutional guarantee of religious liberty.
His assurance that Nigeria remains a democracy that protects all faiths sparked mixed reactions among citizens. Some commended the president’s stance, while others, weary of repeated promises, demanded visible justice.
This feature explores the roots of the crisis, its impact on the economy and social stability, the legal and political complexities, and offers practical pathways toward peace and national healing.
The Genesis of the Crisis
Religious tension in Nigeria traces back decades; from the Maitatsine riots of the 1980s to the rise of Boko Haram in 2009 and the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts. These events, often painted as religious wars, are more deeply connected to power, politics, and resources.
Religion, meant to unite, has too often been exploited as a tool of division. As Scripture warns, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).
When leaders fail to uphold justice, bitterness festers, and violence becomes the language of the oppressed.
The Economic and Social Toll
Beyond the headlines are communities in ruins. States like Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Borno bear the scars of displacement, poverty, and fear.
Farms have been abandoned, schools destroyed, and investments withdrawn. The World Bank estimates billions lost annually to insecurity; losses that cripple growth and deepen unemployment.
As the Yoruba adage says, “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
The common man, whether Christian or Muslim, is that grass — trampled by politics and extremism.
Religion, Politics, and Law
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, Section 38(1), clearly states: “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.”
Yet, in practice, this freedom is fragile. The coexistence of Sharia law and the federal constitution creates confusion and distrust, especially where religious law spills into public affairs.
Still, the heart of Nigeria’s crisis is not Christianity versus Islam, but leaders manipulating faith for political power.
True religion builds bridges; false religion burns them.
Policies and Government Efforts
Successive governments have tried to stem the tide through peace dialogues and military operations.
The National Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) promotes cooperation between Muslim and Christian leaders. The security agencies have been tasked to protect worship centers, and interfaith dialogues continue at state and community levels.
President Tinubu reaffirmed this commitment, insisting that “Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.”
However, citizens like Nnodimele Innocent remind him: “We love our country, but we are tired of promises without protection.”
Words must translate into measurable action.
Is It an Agenda to Islamize Nigeria?
The fear of Islamization persists, fueled by inaction in the face of attacks. While there is no legal framework for such an agenda, the silence and impunity surrounding targeted killings create suspicion.
As Ecclesiastes 8:11 warns: “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, the hearts of men are set to do evil.”
The real danger lies not in one faith overpowering another but in a government that appears unwilling to defend justice equally.
Constitutional Integrity and Rule of Law
The Nigerian Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. But when its judgments are ignored, citizens lose confidence.
Activist Sylvia Etim Ekpot rightly declared: “A constitution that doesn’t obey court rulings isn’t a constitution.”
A democracy without justice is an illusion. For peace to reign, the judiciary must be strong, independent, and fearless. Justice must not only be done — it must be seen to be done.
Voices of the People
Ordinary Nigerians are weary but hopeful.
Pharm Godwin says: “Our leaders must fight for us first before outsiders intervene.”
Gabriel Nande adds that the president’s handling of Christian security concerns may shape future political alliances.
Their voices echo one truth: Nigerians want equal protection; not promises, not pity, but proof of leadership.
The Way Forward
A. Strengthen Justice Institutions: Prosecute perpetrators of religious violence swiftly and transparently. No more selective justice.
B. Promote Religious Tolerance: Reform educational curricula to teach respect across faiths. Ban hate speech and criminalize incitement in religious preaching.
C. Economic Rebuilding: Invest in displaced communities, create jobs, and reduce the economic desperation that fuels extremism.
D. Security Reform: Equip local and federal security forces to act impartially and protect all worship centers.
E. Spiritual Renewal: Churches and mosques must preach repentance, not rivalry.
As 2 Chronicles 7:14 says: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray… then will I heal their land.”
Peace begins in the heart before it reaches the policy table.
Conclusion
Nigeria stands at a crossroads between division and destiny. The blood of innocent Christians, Muslims, and others cries for justice and reform.
As Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Only truth, justice, and love can heal this nation’s wounds.
President Tinubu’s words must now find legs in national policy and action. Nigeria must rise as a democracy where every life is sacred and no one dies for what they believe.
As the Hausa proverb says, “When the right hand washes the left, both become clean.”
Let Nigerians of all faiths wash each other’s hands; not in blood, but in peace, justice, and unity.
