Reactions varied to US President Donald Trump’s threat of military intervention in Nigeria. On Friday, Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)”, claiming Christians face an “existential threat” and calling for a legislative investigation into the “mass slaughter.” Hours later, Trump threatened to send US forces in “guns-a-blazing” if Nigeria did not stop the killing of Christians by Islamists.
This move caused panic in some Nigerians, while others were elated. Government officials, Islamic scholars, and APC supporters vehemently denied the genocide claims, insisting that security issues affect everyone, not just one religion. They alleged Trump’s move had ulterior motives beyond protecting Christians. However, some stakeholders, especially Christians, welcomed Trump’s intervention against the alleged massacre perpetrators.
Major national opposition leaders, including the 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar, have remained silent, along with former governors Nasir El-rufai and Rotimi Amaechi. Public affairs analyst Moses Jibila attributed their silence to “2027 ambitions,” stating they are being careful due to the sensitivity of the issue. He explained that taking a stand, such as Atiku denying genocide, risks alienating Christians at the polls, while backing Trump risks alienating Muslims, suggesting their silence is driven by “selfish interests.”
Nigeria’s CPC Status: This is the second time Trump has designated Nigeria as a CPC, the first being before his 2020 exit, which the Joe Biden administration later reversed. The CPC status is a US classification under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 for nations that engage in or tolerate “systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.” Other countries designated as CPCs include China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Eritrea, Burma, Cuba, Nicaragua, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. These nations are cited for long-term state restrictions or persecution of minority faiths.
Tinubu to Meet Trump: Daniel Bwala, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on policy communication, disclosed Sunday that President Bola Tinubu is expected to meet with Trump “in the coming days,” either at the State House or White House, to discuss and resolve the genocide claims.
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