An international relations scholar, Professor Ben Naanen, has called on the federal government to turn the ongoing global spotlight on alleged genocide against Christians into an opportunity for strategic diplomacy, rather than issuing blanket denials.
Professor Naanen, who lectures at the University of Port Harcourt, said Nigeria should acknowledge the killings as acts of terrorism not state policy, and use that position to seek military and intelligence support from the United States.
He also advised the Tinubu administration to explore diplomatic channels through the United Nations to address the growing security crisis.
“The government’s defensive posture only exposes a lack of competence in handling the situation,” he said. “Nigeria should seize this moment to attract international collaboration against terrorism.”
Former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also weighed in on the controversy surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments labeling Nigeria a “country of particular concern.”
Kwankwaso expressed worry over the tone of the remarks, describing them as threatening.
He maintained that insecurity in Nigeria affects people of all faiths and ethnicities, not just Christians, and urged Washington to support Nigeria with advanced security technology rather than issuing divisive warnings.
However, the South-South Vice President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Archbishop Emmah Isong, welcomed the U.S. position.
Speaking to our correspondent, Archbishop Isong, who is also the Presiding Bishop of Christian Central Chapel International, Calabar, said the American government likely based its decision on credible intelligence.
“The U.S. designation should not be seen as an attack on Nigeria but as a wake-up call,” he said.
“This is the time to restructure our security system and confront the killers head-on” adding that, the U.S. action would not undermine Nigeria’s fight against insecurity but could instead push the government toward meaningful reform.
