It is both incessant and absurd for any right-thinking or sensitive foreign leaders to believe that Muslims are killing Christians in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country where freedom of religion and belief is enshrined and guaranteed by the constitution.
The so-called “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria only demonstrates President Donald Trump’s ignorance of the country’s complexities. The truth is that those committing these killings do not distinguish between Muslims and Christians ethnic and communal conflicts in Nigeria have claimed the lives of both groups.
Donald Trump has never been comfortable with Nigeria’s large population and abundant resources. He sees nations like Nigeria as potential threats simply because their leaders refuse toward total submit to complete foreign control.
The ulterior motive behind designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” is baseless. For a long time, Nigeria has stood among the few African nations not consumed by internal civil strife.
While countries like Somalia, Sudan and Libya have descended into lawlessness, Nigeria has managed to maintain a degree of stability. What amuses me most is how the Federal Government has handled this issue it almost feels like a death sentence for Nigeria.
Has President Tinubu forgotten that he governs a sovereign nation, not a banana republic? Has Asiwaju also forgotten that he was elected by Nigerians, not by Donald Trump, and that he became president without the backing of the United States government?
There are several key issues to consider regarding this matter. The ongoing Gaza-Israel war has significantly affected the United States’ influence in the Middle East. Washington’s unwavering support for Israel has created a perception of bias, undermining its credibility as a neutral mediator. This has eroded America’s soft power in the region, with many Arab public now questioning its intentions.
Furthermore, the conflict has sparked a diplomatic crisis at least some countries have recalled their ambassadors or cut diplomatic ties with Israel. It has also strained regional relations, with Saudi Arabia suspending talks on normalizing relations with Israel.
These actions demonstrate the growing discontent and frustration among Arab countries towards Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied territories. Another shift concerns US policy and presence in the Middle East, particularly regarding oil. The conflict has raised concerns about the security of energy supplies and the potential for greater instability.
If the crisis deepens, it may trigger significant political changes in the Gulf region potentially threatening long-standing monarchies. Widespread protests or unrest could topple pro-American governments, further reducing U.S. influence.
The situation is far more complex than a simple case of “religious freedom concerns.” Trump’s threat to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” appears to be driven by a combination of factors, primarily as a means of diplomatic pressure to force Nigeria into alignment with US interests. Yet Nigeria has rightly pushed back, reaffirming its sovereignty and constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
Nigeria is a major oil producer, and the United States has clear economic interests in the region. However, there is no direct evidence that Trump’s threat is solely motivated by economic gain — though economic considerations undeniably play a significant role.
In my humble opinion, this issue is not truly about the persecution of Christians or any so-called “mass slaughter.” It is, at its core, about economic and geopolitical interests.
As the United States’ stance on the Gaza-Israel conflict weakens its influence in the Middle East, countries like China and Russia are gaining ground — and Nigeria, rich in resources and strategically positioned, finds itself caught in the middle of these shifting global dynamics.
Dukawa writes from Kano and can be reached at [email protected]