Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has pushed back against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks labelling Nigeria a “Country of Concern” over alleged persecution and killings of Christians.
Speaking during a media interview, Wike said he found it surprising that people advised him to avoid commenting on Trump’s claims, insisting there was no basis for such allegations.
“Before I came for this interview, so many people sent me messages telling me not to speak about Trump, and I just laughed. I’m a Nigerian and a Christian. My father is a pastor, and my family are all Christians. This is politics taken too far,” he said.
The minister argued that Christians occupy several key positions in the current administration, challenging the narrative that the government supports attacks on Christians.
“The Inspector General of Police, Director-General of the DSS, present and former Chief of Defence Staff, and even the Secretary to the Government of the Federation are all Christians. Tell me how all of these people will sit in this government and support the killings of Christians,” Wike stated.
His comments come as the Nigerian government continues to dispute international reports suggesting systematic religious persecution in the country.
