CPC: “Deploy Anyaoku, Kingibe, Akinyemi, Others to Defend Nigeria’s Image Before US,” Ndume Tells FG

Senator Ali Ndume has urged the federal government to deploy experienced diplomats to defend Nigeria’s image following former US President Donald Trump’s designation of the country as a “country of particular concern.”

Trump, in a post on Truth Social and the White House’s X handle on Friday, alleged that Christians were being massacred in Nigeria, describing the situation as genocide. He claimed that “radical Islamists” were behind the killings and said the US must act to stop what he called “an existential threat to Christianity in Nigeria.”

Under US law, the designation of a “country of particular concern” is reserved for nations accused of serious violations of religious freedom and human rights. Such countries can face sanctions, military aid restrictions, and visa bans on top officials.

Reacting to the development, Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Senate, said Nigeria must act swiftly to correct what he described as a “misleading narrative.” He called for the involvement of respected diplomats including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Professor Sulu Gambari, and Amina Mohammed to engage with the US and international bodies.

“Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage seasoned diplomats to present the true picture. We can change the narrative by ensuring that Nigeria is not tagged a country of particular concern but one of special concern, deserving support and cooperation, especially in the fight against terrorism,” Ndume said.

He noted that the American embassy in Nigeria has access to reliable data that could help clarify the situation and added that “the good thing about America is that if they know the truth, they will stick to it.”

The senator criticized both the Tinubu administration and the National Assembly for ignoring earlier warnings from US lawmaker Riley Moore, describing the government’s response as complacent.

Ndume urged immediate diplomatic engagement with Washington, emphasizing that terrorist attacks in Nigeria target both Muslims and Christians.

“I have alerted the government and even moved a motion on this matter,” he said. “Nigeria is a sovereign state, and this isn’t about what the United States can do to us but about the ripple effects of being classified as a country of concern. We must present facts and figures to show that Muslims have also been victims. The violence is not against Christians alone—it is against Nigerians generally.”