Former foreign affairs minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has raised alarm over claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria, warning that such accusations could trigger serious international consequences, including travel bans and visa restrictions for Nigerians.
This comes amid growing noise from top U.S. political figures and commentators accusing Nigeria of persecuting its Christian population – a claim Akinyemi strongly contests.
US Voices Growing Concern Over Nigeria
A wave of strong-worded statements and proposals is emanating from Capitol Hill in Washington. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz recently introduced a bill to “protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria.”
Another lawmaker, Riley Moore, pushed for urgent diplomatic action against Nigeria, citing the “slaughter of Christians.” Even controversial U.S. talk show host Bill Maher joined in, alleging systematic extermination by terror groups in Nigeria.
These claims, though not new, have gained fresh momentum and international spotlight; potentially affecting how the world views Nigeria.
“It’s Depressing to Hear the Word Genocide Linked to Nigeria”
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Akinyemi said it’s disturbing to see Nigeria lumped into the same category as countries accused of war crimes, like Israel in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“When you put Nigeria in the same basket as Israel and accuse us of genocide, it is unjustified,” he said.
“Yes, we’ve had security challenges, especially in the Middle Belt. But that is not genocide. We must not give foreign governments ammunition to label us falsely.”
The elder statesman warned that Nigeria’s image is now on shaky ground, and ordinary Nigerians may soon start to feel the heat; from visa denials to diplomatic isolation.
“Government Reacted Too Late”
Akinyemi didn’t hold back in criticizing the Federal Government for its slow response to the issue. He questioned why it took a public outcry from U.S. Congress before Nigeria began to treat the matter with urgency.
“Before you know it, they will start cancelling passports and visa applications. Tomorrow, when we want to contest for a seat at the UN Security Council, ‘genocide’ will be the stain on our name,” he warned.
He advised that the National Security Adviser (NSA) take direct steps to engage with U.S. officials and set the record straight. Akinyemi said this is not a partisan issue – it’s about Nigeria’s global reputation.
FG, Tinubu Push Back on Genocide Talk
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement made in Owerri on Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, dismissed the genocide accusations. He described them as unfounded, insisting that Nigeria thrives on religious tolerance and cultural diversity.
Also speaking, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information, labeled the accusations as “ignorant, false, and baseless.”
Despite these statements, critics argue that more proactive diplomacy is needed, especially as the narrative takes root in key Western circles.
