By: Sunday Ameh
The Federal Government of Nigeria has summoned all foreign diplomats in Abuja following recent comments by United States President Donald Trump, who threatened possible military intervention and sanctions over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
The invitation was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs amid growing diplomatic tensions triggered by Trump’s remarks, in which he warned that Washington could “cut all aid” and consider deploying U.S. troops if what he described as “genocide against Christians” continues in Nigeria.
Trump, speaking via his Truth Social platform, also announced that Nigeria had been redesignated as a “Country of Particular Concern,” accusing the government of failing to protect Christians from targeted killings. He wrote that Christianity faced an “existential threat” in Nigeria and blamed “radical Islamists” for widespread violence.
The Nigerian government has strongly rejected the claims, insisting there is no genocide against Christians in the country. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, responding to the controversy, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and constitutional protections for freedom of religion.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu stated, emphasizing that his administration has maintained consistent engagement with leaders of both the Christian and Muslim communities since assuming office in 2023.
He added that the government continues to address insecurity across regions and faiths, urging international actors not to misinterpret Nigeria’s complex security challenges or exploit religion to create division.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said, arguing that external narratives fail to acknowledge ongoing efforts to foster peaceful coexistence.
Nigeria’s diplomatic summons comes amid growing international responses. On Tuesday, China publicly backed Nigeria’s sovereignty, warning against foreign interference. At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing opposes the use of “religion and human rights as excuses to interfere” in other countries’ domestic affairs, adding that China stands with Nigeria “on its chosen development path.”
Similarly, the European Union expressed full confidence in Nigeria’s sovereignty and commitment to religious coexistence. EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, noted that the bloc’s position is rooted in a long-standing partnership with Nigeria and a shared vision for peace and stability.
“We stand in solidarity with Nigeria and its people, and we respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality,” he said, stressing that the EU supports ongoing efforts to maintain harmony across the country’s diverse communities.
The upcoming diplomatic meeting in Abuja is expected to address global reactions to Trump’s threat, Nigeria’s national security posture, and the government’s efforts to protect citizens irrespective of faith or ethnicity.
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