Olushola Omogbehin
The Federal Government of Nigeria said that the ongoing diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and the United States following the military invasion threat by Donald Trump, were yielding positive results towards easing tensions in the relationship between the two nations.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while speaking on the UK-based Sky News programme, “The World With Yalda Hakim,” on Monday night, confirmed that constructive dialogue was underway and yielding mutual understanding.
The minister said the links between a proscribed separatist organization in Nigeria and certain U.S.-based lobby groups are allegedly working to misrepresent Nigeria’s situation to American policymakers.
“We have observed a direct connection between lobbyists in the United States and a proscribed terrorist group in Nigeria. These groups are actively engaging influential people in the U.S. to advance misleading narratives.’’
Noting Nigeria’s long partnership with the United States in combating terrorism, Idris appealed for renewed cooperation to address ongoing security challenges.
“Yes, we acknowledge that there are conflicts and security issues in parts of Nigeria. However, the United States has in the past been a dependable ally in helping our country manage such situations.
“Channels of communication have been opened, I can confirm that. We are talking to them, and I believe they are now appreciating the situation better.
‘’We are once again calling for strengthened partnership so that we can together achieve lasting peace,” he said.
He expressed surprise over recent reports and statistics coming from the U.S by saying:
“We want the world to know that Nigeria shares the concerns about the tragic incidents occurring in some regions, but it is important to understand the diversity and complexity of our society. Some of the figures being circulated cannot withstand scientific scrutiny.”
US President Donald Trump said last month that Christianity in Nigeria was facing an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups which prompted him to declare Nigeria as a Country with Particular Concern.
Thereafter, the Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelisation at the Vatican, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, warned that Nigeria’s insecurity was self-inflicted, blaming the country’s deep divisions and rising intolerance for its unending cycle of violence.
This has led to the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the northern states and the FCT, urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue as the best way to resolve the country’s challenges as well as the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere which said conventional ‘war approach’ was not the way to solve the terrorism challenge in Nigeria.
