WASHINGTON/LAGOS, Nov 20 — Wetin dey happen for Nigeria no be small matter o. As we dey talk, the United States don start to consider options like sanctions and maybe military action to pressure the Nigerian government to better protect Christian communities. Na wetin one senior U.S. State Department official yarn for House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday.
Na so President Donald Trump don dey look Nigeria since early November. Him dey vex say Nigeria no dey do enough to protect Christians from wahala wey dey happen. Nigerian government come say the claims of persecution no be correct, as dem dey face complex security situation wey no fit be simplified.
Jonathan Pratt, wey lead the Bureau of African Affairs for U.S. State Department, talk say dem dey plan how to force Nigeria to do better for their religious freedom matter. Him say dem get plan wey include State and Treasury engagement and possible military moves to stop these guys wey dey disturb Christian lives.
For October, na so Trump don put Nigeria back on “Countries of Particular Concern” list, where dem dey keep pipo wey dey violate religious freedom. E don even stop all aid to Nigeria, the top oil producer for Africa.
Nigeria sabi how to cohabit with over 200 ethnic groups wey dey practice Christian, Islam, and traditional religions. But no be say everything dey alright; wen e come to violent clashes, e don dey happen as people dem dey fight over resources.
Last last, wahala no dey finish for northern Nigeria with Boko Haram wey don cause plenty deaths over the years. Human rights experts talk say more Muslims don die from Boko Haram attack pass Christians.
This week, Nigeria send their defense chief and national security adviser to meet U.S. officials wey dey dish out military strategies. Pratt also say he no believe say jihadists don infiltrate Nigeria government. Na serious gist wey them dey talk.
Jacob McGee, one of the U.S. officials for Democracy and Human Rights, say Nigeria designation as country of particular concern go make dem shoot better message to the Nigerian government to step up dem game.
Through all dis wahala, America dey try to find solution wey go make the Nigerian government do more to protect everybody, no matter the belief. Rep. Riley Moore even talk say if the Nigerian government take serious action, dem fit strengthen their relationship with U.S. All eyes dey on wetin go happen next.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
