- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Government has described the alleged genocidal attack on Christians in Nigeria as a violent extremism fueled by special interests which cuts across not just Nigeria but in West African and entire Sahel regions.
This was made known by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the wake of the United States Government’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”.
NPO Reported that the US President, Donald Trump, had yesterday declared the inclusion of Nigeria in the list which included the likes of China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan, among others over alleged persecution of Christians.
While it had earlier faulted the inclusion of Nigeria in the list, the Foreign Affairs ministry, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, held that the extremism cases transcended Nigeria as it had also caused division in other countries across West Africa and Sahel Region.
The ministry however reiterated the FG’s commitment in tackling the violent extremisn.
It saluted the Nigerian armed forces over their fight against the extremists while mourning victims of theinsurgency attacks across Nigeria.
The Foreign Affairs ministry noted that Nigeria is a God-fearing country with respect to faith, religious tolerance, diversity and inclusion.
It held that Nigeria, like the US derive strength in its diversity while reiterating that the Noth American country will always remain a close ally despite its listing of Nigeria as a country of particular concern.
The statement read; “The Federal Government has noted the recent statement by the United States of America on religious freedom in Nigeria.
“We remain committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism that is fueled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.
“We mourn all the victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes. The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.
“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order.
“The US has been – and we trust will always remain – a close ally, because the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain our laser focus and steadfast commitment to all partners who believe in genuine peace, stability, freedom and democracy.”