KILLINGS IN NIGERIA: IT’S NOTHING NEW, DOESN’T AMOUNT TO GENOCIDE — PASTOR WALE ADEFARASIN WARNS AGAINST FOREIGN INTERFERENCE
KILLINGS IN NIGERIA: IT’S NOTHING NEW, DOESN’T AMOUNT TO GENOCIDE — PASTOR WALE ADEFARASIN WARNS AGAINST FOREIGN INTERFERENCE
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
In a bold and thought-provoking statement that has stirred conversation across Nigeria’s religious and political circles, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, Senior Pastor of Guiding Light Assembly, Abuja, has criticized what he described as the “sudden love” and “foreign interest” of the United States in Nigeria’s internal affairs following recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump on the alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
The cleric, in a video that went viral on Monday, cautioned Nigerians to approach the issue with balance and historical awareness. According to him, attacks and religious tensions in parts of northern Nigeria are not a new phenomenon, stressing that such incidents should not be exaggerated into claims of genocide.
“For forty years that I have been a Christian, there have been killings in Southern Kaduna, killings on the Plateau, there have been riots. Sometimes, I think it was in France an image of Prophet Muhammad was defaced — and as a result of that, there were killings of Christians in Nigeria,” he said.
Pastor Adefarasin maintained that the Western media’s portrayal of Nigeria as a place where Christians are being wiped out is misleading and sensationalized.
“It’s nothing new. It doesn’t amount to genocide. The way the West is talking about it, it’s as if when a Christian steps on the street, his head will be blown off,” he added.
Questioning the Motives Behind America’s Sudden Interest
The respected cleric went further to question the true motives behind the United States’ intensified commentary on Nigeria’s internal issues. He hinted that geopolitical and economic interests might be driving the narrative rather than genuine humanitarian concern.
“I’m trying to understand this sudden love for Christians. Is it because we now have one of the largest refineries in the world and no longer have to ship raw materials abroad and bring the finished products? Or is it because of the 21st-century minerals we now have in our earth, used to generate nuclear power for electric vehicles? Are those the reasons our friends are threatening to invade our country to defend Nigerian Christians?” he queried.
Pastor Adefarasin’s comments come on the heels of President Trump’s declaration labeling Nigeria a “country of particular concern” due to alleged religious persecution, and his threat to deploy U.S. military action if the killings continue.
Tinubu Presidency Reacts to Trump’s Threats
Reacting to Trump’s remarks, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, described any form of U.S. military operation in Nigeria as diplomatically offensive and unacceptable without the consent of the Nigerian government.
In an interview with the BBC World Service on Monday, Bwala emphasized Nigeria’s sovereignty and independence, warning against any form of external interference disguised as humanitarian intervention.
“Nigeria remains a sovereign state, and any foreign involvement in its internal security affairs must be based on collaboration and mutual respect for the country’s territorial integrity,” he said.
Bwala, however, acknowledged Trump’s earlier support for Nigeria during his first presidential term, particularly in approving arms sales to aid counterterrorism operations. He expressed optimism that both nations would find a path of understanding when President Tinubu meets with his U.S. counterpart in the coming days.
Editorial Reflection: Between Perception and Reality
The unfolding discourse between Nigeria and the United States reveals a complex intersection of religion, politics, and international diplomacy. While it is undeniable that parts of Nigeria have faced recurring violence — often with ethnic and religious undertones — the labeling of such events as genocide remains contentious.
Pastor Adefarasin’s words echo a call for context, caution, and national unity. His argument suggests that while external empathy is welcome, Nigeria’s internal challenges must be addressed by Nigerians themselves, through sincere governance, interfaith dialogue, and community resilience.
Equally, the U.S. government must tread carefully to avoid narratives that could inflame tensions or suggest ulterior motives. If peace and justice are indeed the goals, then mutual respect and collaboration — not threats of military intervention — will serve both nations best.
Conclusion
As Nigeria continues to navigate her fragile religious and political balance, voices like Pastor Wale Adefarasin’s remind us of the importance of truth-telling, self-reflection, and historical memory. The quest for peace and justice must be rooted in fairness, not foreign fascination.
✍️ Written by: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For: Global Egberi Media International
🌐 https://globalegberi.blogspot.com
📧 globalegberimedia@gmail.com | 📞 +234 813 490 2214
Source: Sahara Reporters
Tags: #WaleAdefarasin #DonaldTrump #Tinubu #NigeriaUSRelations #ChristianityInNigeria #ReligiousTolerance #GlobalEgberiMedia
Facebook Caption:
Pastor Wale Adefarasin cautions against foreign interference as Trump’s comments on Nigeria’s Christian killings spark global reaction. “It’s nothing new; it doesn’t amount to genocide,” the cleric insists, calling for balanced perspective and national reflection.
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