President Tinubu told how to handle escalating tension with US over Christians genocide claims
President Tinubu told how to handle escalating tension with US over Christians genocide claims
Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to urgently engage seasoned diplomats to open constructive dialogue with the United States government and prevent further escalation of diplomatic tensions following Nigeria’s recent designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Ndume faulted both the government and the Senate for failing to treat earlier warnings about allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria with the seriousness they deserved.
He said the concerns raised by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore were downplayed before the latest action by President Trump.
According to Ndume, “I have alerted the government; I even moved a motion. Nigeria is a sovereign state. It isn’t about what the United States can do to us, but about the misconception and the ripple effects of classifying us as a country of concern.”
He stressed that Nigeria must counter the narrative with verified data and facts.
“We should engage the American government by presenting facts and figures. We should demand that they hear the other side of the story from the Nigerian government and the Muslim community. Muslims have been killed too. The genocide isn’t against Christians, but Nigerians generally,” he said.
Ndume advised the Federal Government to draw on the experience of respected diplomats to manage the situation.
“Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage seasoned diplomats like Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Professor Sulu Gambari, and Amina Mohammed at the United Nations,” he stated.
He also urged engagement with the American Embassy in Nigeria, noting that it “has the facts” about the country’s security challenges and interfaith relations.
Ndume further maintained that Nigeria could still correct the “misconception” by presenting accurate information to the U.S., while emphasizing that cooperation between both nations, especially in counterterrorism and defense support, should continue.
President Trump had on Friday declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” in a post on his Truth Social account, a decision later amplified through the White House’s official X handle.
