…as President Donald Trump places Nigeria on ‘Countries of Particular Concern’
By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to upholding religious freedom and combating violent extremism, following a recent statement by the United States of America on the state of religious liberty in Nigeria. 
This was contained in a statement signed by Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday, in Abuja.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that President of United States of America, Donald Trump has announced that Nigeria will be placed on a watchlist for religious freedom, based on vague claims that Christians in the country are being “slaughtered” by Muslims.
Also in a social media post on Friday, Trump explained that the Nigeria will be added to a Department of State list of “Countries of Particular Concern”.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN”, ” Trump wrote.
But the federal government has reaffirmed its determination to address the root causes of extremism, which it described as being driven by “special interests” that have fuelled instability and division across West Africa and the Sahel region.
“We remain committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism that is fuelled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions,” the statement read.
The government expressed sympathy for victims of extremist violence and commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their ongoing sacrifices in defending the nation.
“We mourn all the victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes. The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion,” it stated.
The Federal Government highlighted Nigeria’s multi-religious and multicultural character, and stressed that diversity remains one of the country’s greatest strengths.
“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order,” the statement further noted.
The ministry restated diplomatic ties with the United States, describ America as a valued ally and expressed optimism that both nations would continue to collaborate on shared values.
“The US has been – and we trust will always remain – a close ally, because the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain our laser focus and steadfast commitment to all partners who believe in genuine peace, stability, freedom and democracy,” it added.
