The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is committed to tackling “violent extremism that is fueled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.” This declaration is coming at the heels of the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States (US) President Donald Trump.
President Trump, on Friday, October 31, designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing the widespread killings of Christians in the country to justify his action.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a “COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN”, — But that is the least of it,” Trump declared.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a statement by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the FGN will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.
“We remain committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism that is fueled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.
“We mourn all the victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes. The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.
“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity, and inclusion in concurrence with the rules-based international order.
“The US has been – and we trust will always remain – a close ally, because the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain our laser focus and steadfast commitment to all partners who believe in genuine peace, stability, freedom and democracy,” part of the statement reads.
