The Federal Government has responded to the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump of the United States.
In December 2020, the U.S. Department of State had designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). On Friday, October 31, Trump took a similar step, claiming that Christianity was facing existential threat in Nigeria.
In a post shared on social media, Trump wrote
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a “COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN” — But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!
I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me”
Responding to Trump’s redesignation, the Federal government in a statement released today November 1, said the claims do not reflect the situation on the ground.
The statement which Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued in Abuja, the Federal Government insisted that contrary to some opinion, there is religious harmony in the country.
“Nigeria notes the recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.
While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people.
Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.” the statement read in part
