A Muslim advocacy organisation, the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG), has cautioned Christian bodies against what it described as “false propaganda” against the Federal and state governments, warning that such actions could threaten national peace and stability.
The group issued the warning while reacting to an alleged directive by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) asking members nationwide to participate in a planned protest on Sunday, May 24. According to MMWG, the planned demonstrations could disrupt religious harmony and heighten tensions across the country.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Yusuf Agbabiaka, the group accused some Christian organisations of using allegations of “Islamisation,” persecution, and genocide against Christians to inflame public sentiment against the Federal Government.
MMWG described the planned protests as a potential threat to public order, especially ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, and warned that Muslims could stage counter-protests if the demonstrations go ahead.
The group also criticised what it called the revival of “false narratives” about Nigeria’s religious situation, referencing comments previously associated with U.S. President Donald Trump. It urged RCCG to abandon any action capable of triggering religious unrest.
MMWG further called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to caution its member churches against actions that could deepen divisions in the country. It questioned why RCCG, described as the church attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, would allegedly support protests against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group also alleged that Christian organisations had received financial and logistical support from the First Lady in different parts of the country, claiming such gestures had contributed to what it described as growing political and religious tension.
On politics, MMWG referenced the 2023 presidential primaries involving former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and President Tinubu, arguing that political disagreements should not result in campaigns against the current administration.
The organisation called on security agencies, including the Police, Army, DSS, and NIA, to prevent any planned rallies it believes could threaten national security. It also urged Muslim representatives in the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) to reconsider their participation in the body, accusing it of failing to address religious tensions adequately.
MMWG concluded by urging religious groups to prioritise dialogue and cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure, rather than engaging in protests and divisive rhetoric.
