Nigeria Pushes Back Against US Accusations of Christian Persecution

The Nigerian government has strongly denied allegations of “mass murder” of Christians, made by US President Donald Trump, and hit back at Washington, accusing it of meddling in the country’s internal affairs. In a sharp rebuke, Nigerian officials have urged the US to focus on supporting the country’s democratic institutions rather than fueling divisions.

The controversy began when Trump, during a recent press conference, expressed concern over reports of Christian persecution in Nigeria, describing the situation as “very bad.” His comments sparked a heated response from the Nigerian government, which summoned the US ambassador to Nigeria, Geoffrey Pyatt, to express its displeasure.

In a statement, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, accused the US of “foreign interference” and called on Washington to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. “We are disappointed that the US would make such a sweeping statement without understanding the complex nature of our internal security challenges,” Mohammed said.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied allegations of widespread persecution of Christians, describing the claims as exaggerated and misguided. Instead, officials point to the country’s long history of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, as well as efforts to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.

The spat comes at a sensitive time in US-Nigeria relations, with Washington seeking to strengthen ties with Africa’s largest economy. Nigeria is a key partner for the US in the region, particularly in the fight against terrorism, with both countries cooperating on security issues, including counter-terrorism efforts.

In response to Trump’s comments, Nigeria’s ambassador to the US, Okechukwu Enukwu, emphasized the country’s commitment to democracy and human rights. “Nigeria is a democratic country that respects the rights of all its citizens, including Christians and Muslims,” Enukwu said. “We urge the US to support our democratic institutions and help us build a more stable and prosperous future for all Nigerians.”

The exchange highlights the delicate balance between Nigeria and the US, as both countries navigate complex issues of security, democracy, and human rights. While the US has a legitimate interest in promoting human rights and stability in Nigeria, Nigerian officials are keen to assert their country’s sovereignty and resist external pressure. As the relationship between the two countries continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Nigeria will not be lectured to on its own soil.