Criticism of U.S. Allegations and Calls for Unity
A former military officer, General Olayemi Lasisi Abidoye (retired), has voiced strong criticism against the silence of church leaders and the political class in response to a reported threat by the United States to attack Nigeria over allegations of genocide against Christians in the northern part of the country.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, the retired officer, who is also the immediate past president of the Omu Aran Development Association, emphasized that insurgents typically target environments to destabilize systems. He firmly stated that there is no genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
“If you listen to many of the people in the political opposition, they have not seen anything wrong in what President Trump said… as if this country doesn’t belong to them also,” he said.
Abidoye criticized the sentimentality surrounding the issue, urging truthfulness rather than emotional reactions. “If someone calls himself a pastor, a man of God, he should be fair. But if a man makes videos claiming that only Christians are being killed, where? I don’t see it.”
He pointed out the alarming silence of politicians, stating that it is unacceptable to politicize sovereignty or security. “Everyone should stand up and speak the truth, whether Muslim or Christian. If we all speak in unison that there is nothing like that, it will be taken as the real situation.”
The Role of Christian Leaders
Abidoye expressed disappointment in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for not addressing the allegations. “Surely, I expected the representatives of Christians, especially the CAN, to have spoken on this. They have the capacity to douse the tension. They should make it clear that the allegations are false.”
He argued that foreigners should not cry more than the bereaved. “If Christians in Nigeria come out to tell Mr Trump there’s no genocide against Christians, I don’t think he’ll say they’re lying. He shouldn’t cry more than the bereaved.”
Hidden Political Agendas
The retired general suggested that there may be a hidden political agenda behind the reported U.S. threat. He noted that the country had been silent during periods of worse insecurity. “That’s my opinion. I believe there’s a political agenda. Because even when it was worse than this, they didn’t cry wolf. So, why now?”
He questioned the timing of the allegations, noting that if the alarm had been raised six months into the Boko Haram insurgency, it would have been seen as sincere.
Questioning the Genocide Narrative
Abidoye further questioned the genocide claim, suggesting that the narrative is being pushed to destabilize Nigeria. “You are also in Nigeria. From every indication, can you say there is any genocide against Christians in Nigeria?”
He emphasized that the aim of the message is to destabilize the government. “We’ve had insurgency under both PDP and APC governments, and it’s still ongoing.”
Insurgents and Their Tactics
Abidoye explained that insurgents are strategic and exploit religion and ethnicity to create divisions. “Insurgents may appear in rags, but they are sophisticated. They know what can stir up conflict in any country. Initially, they attacked churches, but when the religious tactic failed, they turned to total warfare, attacking everyone.”
He highlighted that many mosques were bombed at the peak of the crisis, even during Jumat prayers in Kano and other places. “At the epicentre of banditry, North-East and North-West, Muslims are the majority. Now, can a bullet distinguish between a Muslim and a non-Muslim? Certainly not.”
“Many mosques were bombed at the peak of the crisis, even duringJumatprayers in Kano and other places. At the epicentre of banditry, North-East and North-West, Muslims are the majority. Now, can a bullet distinguish between a Muslim and a non-Muslim? Certainly not.
“If we are to be factual, Muslims have even suffered more casualties. Yoruba people always say: when the rain falls, it falls on everyone.”
Motives Behind the Narrative
Abidoye added that those pushing the “Christian genocide” narrative have ulterior motives. “The UN recognises the sovereignty of every nation, which must be respected. Nigeria is a sovereign state. How can the U.S. threaten to attack Nigeria? That would violate our sovereignty.”
He questioned the approach of the U.S., asking, “If Trump truly loves Nigeria and Christians, there are better ways to assist, why not support Nigeria rather than threaten it?”
Abidoye concluded by referencing General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s recent statement on unity and wisdom to overcome challenges. “What we need is unity and wisdom to overcome our challenges.”