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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayekooto Akindele, has claimed that US President Donald Trump's decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern was prompted by the Nigerian government’s rejection of a "strange proposal" from the US.
On Friday, President Trump labeled Nigeria as CPC, putting the nation on a watch list due to allegations of the massacre of Christians within its borders.
According to DAILY POST, prior to this designation, several lawmakers and advocates for religious freedom in the US had asserted that more than 30 Christians are killed daily by Islamic extremists in Nigeria.
This assertion has been refuted by the presidency, with government officials countering that the security crisis in the country is not rooted in religious issues.
Nevertheless, Trump stated on Friday that the US cannot stand by while Christians face persecution in Nigeria.
In response to Trump’s actions, Ayekooto took to X on Saturday to link the decision to Nigeria’s refusal to accept illegal immigrants reported from the US.
Additionally, Ayekooto alleged that Nigeria's choice “to pursue economic liberties with every global economic organization” prompted the US government's response.
He wrote, “Donald Trump, Nigeria is not a country to be trifled with. We are a multi-religious and multi-cultural nation. A country where the President is a Muslim and his wife is a Pastor should tell you more about our lives here. Do you want to rescue the First Lady from her husband?”
“And you recognize us as a country of particular concern, yet you attempted to deport illegal immigrants from other nations to this country. But because we rejected the strange proposal and chose to pursue economic freedoms with every global economic organization, we suddenly became your country of concern!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Trump's designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern?
The designation was allegedly influenced by the Nigerian government's rejection of a proposal from the US, as well as claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
How has the Nigerian government responded to the allegations of Christian persecution?
The Nigerian presidency has denied the allegations, asserting that the security crisis is not based on religious factors.
What did Ayekooto Akindele say regarding Trump's actions?
Ayekooto criticized Trump's actions, stating that Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-cultural nation and that the country should not be treated lightly.
