Month: November 2025

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian academic, Dr Muhsin Ibrahim, a lecturer at the University of Cologne, Germany, has refuted claims made by United States President Donald Trump that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria.

In an article published recently on his Facebook handle, Dr Ibrahim said that framing Nigeria’s insecurity as a case of religious persecution is “a very simplistic narrative” that ignores the complex realities behind the country’s crises.

He expressed satisfaction that several Christian leaders, associations, and public figures had publicly rejected Trump’s claim.

He also commended Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore for putting aside his opposition to the current administration and “saying the truth” about the issue.

According to Dr Ibrahim, terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and violent bandits do not discriminate between Muslims and Christians in their attacks.

“Boko Haram’s bullets do not differentiate between Muslims and Christians,” he wrote, noting that the extremist group has “killed more Muslims than non-Muslims,” including during their deadly assault on the Kano Central Mosque.

He further pointed out that victims of banditry in states such as Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger are mostly Muslims and that many mosques and worshippers have been attacked without anyone framing it as religious persecution.

Regarding the recurring clashes between farmers and herders in parts of the Middle Belt, Dr Ibrahim argued that the conflicts are primarily driven by territorial, ethnic, and resource-based disputes, rather than religion.

Dr Ibrahim also warned that any sanctions the U.S. might impose on Nigeria over Trump’s claims would likely worsen the country’s situation.

“The sanctions, or some aid withdrawal, will eventually impact everyone, just as the violence does not spare anyone,” he said.

He urged Nigerians not to celebrate Trump’s statements, describing them as politically motivated rather than a genuine concern for human rights.

“It’s about politics, not genuine concern for humanity,” he wrote, questioning Trump’s silence on humanitarian crises in Gaza, South Sudan, Congo, and Haiti.

The academic concluded by expressing hope for peace in Nigeria and across the world, writing: “May there be more peace in our fatherland, Nigeria, and everywhere else, amin.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vehemently opposed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, labelling it an “insensitive and misguided” move that will deepen the economic crisis for Nigerians.

In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned the administration against “pushing the people to the wall” with policies that exacerbate suffering.

The ADC cautioned that the new levy could force the pump price of petrol beyond ₦1,000 per litre, making life “even more unbearable” for families, commuters, and businesses already struggling with the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation.

The party also questioned the government’s rationale for the tax, which is purportedly to protect domestic refining investments.

It pointed to the recent collapse of the rehabilitated Port Harcourt refinery just five months after a $1.5 billion overhaul as evidence of a flawed strategy.

“While we support private investments in the energy sector, policies meant to protect such investments must also protect the people and put their interests first,” the statement read.

The ADC demanded the immediate reversal of the import duty, asserting that a government unable to run its own refineries has no business taxing those who rely on imported fuel.

“Nigerians deserve a government that plans, not one that panics,” the party stated. “Economic growth that condemns the majority to a life of hardship and misery is ultimately destructive.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has rejected recent claims by United States President Donald Trump, who alleged widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria and announced the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described the claims as false and not reflective of the reality in the country.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’

“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the statement read.

The ministry noted that while Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, the allegations were inaccurate. It added that under President Bola Tinubu, the government remains focused on combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting the rights of all citizens.

It further stated that Nigeria “will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.”

Trump, in a post shared on his Truth Social platform and later on the White House’s X account on Friday night, had claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”

He added, “I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of particular concern’ — But that is the least of it.”Trump also called on US lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to “immediately look into this matter, and report back.”

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the world!” he declared.

Last month, Congressman Moore urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose diplomatic measures against what he called the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in Nigeria, describing the country as “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.”

He also called for a suspension of arms sales to Nigeria until the government takes concrete steps to end the violence.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, speaking to CNN earlier in the week, dismissed the allegations, saying they were based on inaccurate data.

“Some of the claims made by some officials of the United States are based on faulty data and some assumptions that the victims of this violence are largely Christians,” he said.

“Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not just target one religion. They target Christians. They also target Muslims. We have seen that especially in the northern part of the country,” Idris added.

In a related development, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, called for stronger protection for vulnerable communities and greater accountability in addressing violence across Nigeria.