- Safiu Kehinde
Influential United States rapper, Nicki Minaj, has backed President Donald Trump’s planned military action against terrorists’ groups in Nigeria over alleged genocidal attacks on Christians by the insurgents.
The 42-year-old rapper thanked Trump for the urgent action to combat extremism and to bring a stop to violence against those who, according to her, simply want to express their natural right to freedom of religion or belief.
Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, made this known at a United Nations event in New York.
The event, held in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the United States to the UN, was against the background of the ongoing accusation by the U.S. alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria.
However, the Nigerian authorities have strongly rejected the idea that Christians are specifically targeted, saying Muslims and non-Muslims have also fallen victim of killings by the extremist groups.
Highlighting the killings in Nigeria, she said she was not picking sides but was speaking out against injustice.
She acknowledged the efforts of Nigerian faith leaders in calling attention to the attacks and killings.
“Faith leaders, peace builders, those who saw violence, saw rising intolerance, saw the threats clearly before others and chose not to look the other way”.
“I am inspired by their works to build inter-faith ties, to see that humanity across the line which might divide us and to fight for security and liberty for all those who pray”. She said.
While reiterated that she is not taking sides, the rapper lauded Nigeria’s multi-religious nature.
“I want to be clear, I am not taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity”.
“Nigeria is a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions and lots of beautiful barbs that I can’t wait to see.
“When one’s Church, Mosque or place of worship is destroyed, everyone’s heart should break just a little bit.
“The foundation of the United Nations with the core mandate to ensure peace and security should shake”. She said.
Minaj however insisted that no group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion adding, “we don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other.
She also said practicing a different religion “should not make anybody feel less safe”.
“It’s about what I’ve always stood for my entire career and I will continue to stand for that for the rest of my life,” she said.
Referring to the U.S., Minaj expressed gratitude that “we live in a country where she can freely and safely worship God regardless of one’s creed, religion or politics”.
“Music has taken me around the globe. I have seen how people, no matter their language, culture or religion, come alive when they hear a song that touches their soul,”
“Religious freedom means we all can sing our faith regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we believe.
“But today, faith is under attack in way too many places.” She said.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz commended Minaj for using her platform as an entertainer to spotlight the crisis in Nigeria.