Former minister of aviation, Femi Fan-Kayode, has urged the United States government to stop describing Nigeria’s security crisis as a “Christian genocide”.
Fani-Kayode made the call while welcoming Riley Moore, United States congressman, and members of his delegation to Nigeria.
He said the violence in Nigeria does not affect Christians alone, adding that Muslims are also victims of terrorist attacks.
“When you consider and acknowledge the fact that the genocide and mass murder that is going on here is not limited to Christians alone but also affects Muslims I will view you with less suspicion and treat you with more respect,” he said.
He cited a recent attack in Sokoto where terrorists reportedly stormed a mosque during early morning prayers.
“Just yesterday terrorists in Sokoto attacked a Mosque during the early morning prayer. The Imam leading the prayer and one other person were killed, while several other worshippers were abducted,” he said.
He said Nigeria’s security agencies and the military have recorded successes in recent weeks by killing insurgents and rescuing abducted persons.
“Support, understanding, good faith and assistance in our war against terror, not insults and threats, from your country is what we need and welcome,” he added.
He said the continued framing of Nigeria’s crisis as a “Christian genocide” deepens division in the country.
He urged the delegation to tell Donald Trump, former US president, that Nigeria is not a “disgrace” or a “shithole”.
“Let your President Donald Trump know that our nation is not a ‘disgrace’ or a ‘shithole’ but rather one of the greatest nations on earth,” he said.
