The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Wednesday led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to the United States over the allegation of Christians persecution in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede; and Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence were part of the delegation.
Others are Special Adviser to ONSA, Ms. Idayat Hassan; Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Acting CDA, Embassy of Nigeria, Ambassador Nuru Biu; and Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria, Paul Alabi.
The Office of the NSA as at the time of filing this report has not made public the outcome of the delegation’s meeting with American officials, but American Congressman Riley Moore who was detailed by President Donald Trump to investigate the situation in Nigeria and get back to him, revealed that he had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with the Nigerian team.
Moore, who stated this the in a social media post, said the Ribadu team outlined the FG’s challenges in countering terrorism, security assistance, protection of vulnerable communities, and ongoing issues involving violence across Nigeria.
According to Moore, “I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria.
“I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subjected to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against their population, specifically Christians in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States. President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria.
“I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue.”
It would be recalled that UD President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and asked some lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore to investigate the situation in Nigeria and get back to him.
The allegation gained momentum after Vice-President Kashim Shettima spoke in favour of two-state solution to the crisis between Israel and Gaza.
The UN on Tuesday, invited US rapper Nicki Minaj to testify against Nigeria in the alleged persecution of Christians, but Nigeria was not invited to the session, a situation which the country protested over.
However, the Nigerian delegation on Wednesday detailed the crisis in the country to one of those championing the genocide narrative Congressman Moore.
