The Federal Government has reacted the recent statement by the United States of America President Donald Trump describing Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian genocide.
Trump had on Friday on social media said “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of particular concern’ — But that is the least of it.”
But in a statement issued on Saturday, spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa rejected the claims made by Trump.
He said “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.”
