The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has written an open letter to US President Donald Trump, refuting claims that Christians are being systematically targeted and killed in Nigeria. This letter follows Trump’s threat to deploy military forces in Nigeria if the alleged genocide against Christians is not stopped.
In the letter posted on his X handle, Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, cites his achievements and Christian background to dismiss claims of targeted persecution. He states, “I am a lawyer of more than three decades of active practice, most of which was dedicated to activism in the promotion and protection of human rights.”
Keyamo highlights his recognition in 2017 with the Global Human Rights Award by the United States Global Leadership Council, acknowledging his commitment to human rights. He emphasizes that, due to his strong Christian background, it would be unconscionable for him to associate with a government if there were any truth to the assertion that Christians are specifically targeted for persecution in Nigeria.
Describing the allegation as “completely untrue,” Keyamo stresses that violence in Nigeria is driven by criminality and terrorism inherited from past administrations. He notes that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in addressing insecurity caused by groups like Boko Haram, herders, and cattle rustlers, pointing out that many top security chiefs are Christians.
Keyamo also recalls Tinubu’s record of religious tolerance during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, where he regularly hosted Christian pastors for worship and prayer sessions. He asserts that President Tinubu, despite being a Muslim, is a known moderate whose family includes practicing Christians.
The minister underscores that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits the adoption of a state religion, reflecting its status as a secular and multi-faith nation. He urges Trump and the US government to seek balanced and credible information about Nigeria’s internal affairs instead of relying on partisan accounts.
In conclusion, Keyamo calls for collaboration and open dialogue with the US government to confront the long-standing issue of terrorism in Nigeria, urging a deeper understanding of the situation from the Nigerian perspective.
