Ex-Minister Akinyemi Condemns U.S. Genocide Allegation Against Nigeria
Former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has expressed deep concern and disappointment over what he described as an “unjustified and unfair” attempt to label Nigeria with the charge of genocide.
Akinyemi warned that such allegations could have serious diplomatic and reputational consequences for the country.
In September, the U.S. State Department designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged violations of religious freedom and proposed sanctions against Nigerian officials accused of facilitating violence against Christians.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Friday, Akinyemi said it was troubling to see Nigeria mentioned in the same breath as Israel amid accusations of genocide.
“As a Nigerian, I am depressed and upset that the charge of genocide will be levelled at my country,” he said.
“When you compare what is happening in Nigeria with what Netanyahu has done in the Middle East, to now link Nigeria and put us in the same basket as Israel and accuse us of genocide, I think it is unjustified.”
The former minister acknowledged that while there have been disturbing incidents of violence in the Middle Belt region, they do not amount to genocide.
“It is true that there are unsavoury developments in the Middle Belt that worry us, but it doesn’t amount to genocide,” he added.
Akinyemi urged the Nigerian government to treat the matter with utmost seriousness, stressing that it should not be reduced to political debates between lawmakers.
“This is not an issue for just the Senate versus the Senate. At the highest level, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Adviser should take it up directly with the United States,” he advised.
He also called on the National Security Adviser (NSA) to engage his U.S. counterpart to clarify Nigeria’s position and prevent potential diplomatic fallout.
“Now that the NSA is responsible for internal and domestic security affairs, he should engage his colleague in Washington and explain the situation clearly,” Akinyemi said.
