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By Oscar Okhifo
The Presidency has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will meet with United States President Donald Trump in the coming days over the controversial claim of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, disclosed this on Sunday on his X platform.
He said the meeting is part of efforts to clarify the US government’s concerns about alleged targeted attacks on Christians in the country.
According to him, arrangements are being made for the two leaders to sit and discuss the matter either at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja or the White House in Washington D.C.
“The President will meet with President Trump soon to address these concerns and provide clarity. The narrative that terrorists are targeting only Christians in Nigeria must be properly examined because terrorism affects people of all faith and even those with no faith,” Bwala stated.
Trump had recently declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern”, citing what he described as systematic killings of Christians in parts of the North.
He also threatened to suspend U.S. aid and consider further actions if the Nigerian government fails to stop the violence.
However, the Nigerian government has rejected the claim, insisting that insecurity affects every group and that the administration remains committed to protecting citizens irrespective of religion.
Bwala maintained that Tinubu has “massive results” to show in the fight against terrorism and banditry, adding:
“This administration has taken significant steps to confront insecurity and is open to constructive engagement with international partners, including the United States.”
Although an exact date has not been revealed, the Presidency expects the meeting to take place within days, as global attention continues to focus on Nigeria’s security challenges and religious freedom concerns.
It’s left to be seen if Trump will welcome such meeting or if such will make him soft-pedal on his threatened sanctions.