President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern has sparked controversy, with the Nigerian government denying allegations of Christian genocide. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for allegedly fueling the narrative that led to Trump’s decision.
MURIC’s statement suggests that CAN’s actions are a betrayal, given President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s perceived favoritism towards Christians in appointments and privileges. The organization questions why CAN would amplify claims of Christian persecution despite the president’s efforts to support them.
The situation remains tense, with Trump’s administration stopping all aid and assistance to Nigeria and threatening military action if the government doesn’t address the alleged persecution of Christians. The Nigerian government maintains that it’s committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith
Some experts believe the redesignation could strain diplomatic relations and impact Nigeria’s international image. Others argue it’s a diplomatic warning, urging Nigeria to address human rights concerns and protect religious freedom.
“This redesignation is blurred, misplaced and distorted. It is a complete misrepresentation of the true picture on ground in Nigeria.
“But instead of dissipating energy on debating the rationality or otherwise for the redesignation, we will rather turn our attention to the fifth columnists in our midst.
“There can be no smoke without fire and the cockroach will not find its way into the house if the walls have no openings. The Americans may have their own agenda but some Nigerians gave them the green light in this matter.
“It will be recalled that certain Christian leaders had written frivolous petitions to the US Congress claiming that Christians were the only ones being killed by terrorists in Nigeria. Instead of debunking this false and misleading narrative, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) simply amplified it.
“We are nonplussed by the actions of these Christian leaders, most especially that of CAN which is expected to know better.
“CAN’s action is a stab in the back in view of President Tinubu’s preference of Christians in appointments, favours and privileges over and above his Muslim brethren.
“The president himself confirmed that 62% of all appointments went to the Christians. The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu was even more generous to them than Father Christmas. In spite of all that was done for Nigerian Christians by this administration, they still deemed it fit to take Nigeria to the enabler of Gaza genocide.
“President Tinubu does not deserve this. It is the Mother of all Betrayals and we denounce those behind the report in the strongest terms,” the statement concluded.
