Former Senate Leader and Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately begin diplomatic talks with the United States after Nigeria was listed as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.
Ndume said Nigeria must respond quickly to avoid serious diplomatic and economic consequences, including sanctions, security restrictions, and damage to its international reputation.
He urged the government to send respected diplomats and elder statesmen including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, and Amina Mohammed to lead discussions with U.S. officials and other global stakeholders.
His statement follows a recent post by U.S. President Donald Trump, shared through the White House X account, labeling Nigeria a “country of particular concern” due to what he called “an ongoing Christian genocide.”
Ndume noted that he had earlier raised similar concerns in the Senate and criticized both the federal government and the Senate for not responding swiftly when U.S. Congressman Riley Moore first raised the issue weeks ago.
He stressed that Nigeria must correct the perception that violence in the country targets only Christians, explaining that terrorism affects Muslims and other citizens as well. According to him, the crisis in Nigeria is driven by terrorism, not religious attacks.
“We need to present facts and figures and ensure the U.S. government hears directly from Nigeria,” he said, urging officials to engage with the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, which he believes already understands the country’s complex security situation.
Ndume suggested that instead of being labeled a country of persecution, Nigeria should be seen as a nation facing serious security challenges and in need of international support.
He said this approach could encourage the U.S. to assist Nigeria with weapons, intelligence, and other resources to fight terrorism effectively.
