Fatimah Otunsanya
Two members of the United States parliament, Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs have blasted President Donald Trump over his recent threat and comment against Nigeria.
NigeriaTodayTimes recalls that Trump on Friday last week designated Nigeria as Country of Particular Concerns over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
The US President, who believes that there is an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria, also threatened military action, stating that if the Nigerian government fails to stop the killing of Christians, the US department of war will not hesitate to intervene.
The move has birthed controversy across Nigeria as some stakeholders backed his claim while government officials continue to dismiss the genocide claims.
In a joint statement posted on X, Tuesday by Mr Meeks, the two lawmakers tackled Trump over the threat.
Rep Meeks, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Ms Jacobs, ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, described Trump’s move as “irresponsible and reckless.”
According to them, the US President is instigating another needless war.
“The Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern ignores the complex reality of violence there.
Clashes between farmers are many but not all of whom are Christian—and herders are driven by resource scarcity and land competition, not religion alone,” the lawmakers said.
According to the lawmakers, terrorist groups in Nigeria have killed both Christians and Muslims, stressing that no particular region is targeted.
“All Nigerians deserve protection, and we know President Tinubu recognizes the importance of interfaith harmony and is working to address this challenge.
On the threat of aid cut to Nigeria, the lawmakers argued that doing so would undermine critical humanitarian and development programs in Nigeria.
“Trump’s aid cuts have blocked much-needed emergency nutrition and livelihoods training, the very types of programs essential to stopping the spread of insurgency,” they added.