Nigeria Dismisses Trump’s Claims on Christian Persecution
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar firmly rejected US President Donald Trump's allegations that the Nigerian government permits the persecution and killing of Christians. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Tuggar highlighted Nigeria's constitutional safeguards for religious freedom.
Constitutional Guarantees and Government’s Position
Tuggar presented official documentation affirming that the Nigerian government is legally obligated to protect all its citizens regardless of their religion.
“It's impossible for there to be religious persecution that can be supported in any way, shape, or form by the government of Nigeria. At any level — be it federal, be it regional, be it local — it's impossible,”
Warning Against Destabilization
The Foreign Minister cautioned against attempts to destabilize Nigeria, referencing the potential consequences of foreign interference.
“What we are trying to make the world understand is that we should not create another Sudan,” Tuggar said. “We've seen what has happened with Sudan, with agitations for the partitioning of Sudan based on religion, based on tribal sentiments.”
Background: Trump’s Statement on Nigeria
- On Saturday, President Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that if Nigeria continues to allow the killing of Christians, the US would immediately cut all aid.
- He threatened a possible military intervention, saying the US could “go into that now disgraced country, 'guns-a-blazing’.”
Author’s summary: Nigeria's Foreign Minister rejects US claims of Christian persecution, stressing constitutional protections and warning against external efforts to destabilize the nation.