The Nigerian Government’s decision to reject former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to host American deportees and allow the establishment of a U.S. military base in Nigeria has been identified as the real reason behind recent threats from the United States—not claims of Christian persecution.
This claim was made by the Chairman of Grassroots Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance, Usman Muhammed Anache, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
According to him, the U.S. is upset with Nigeria for turning down its request to set up a military base in the country after the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which was aimed at strengthening its monitoring of West Africa.
He further stated that Nigeria’s decision to join the New United Bloc (BRICS) is another move that has not pleased the United States.
“The calculated attempt to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty has been a long-term plan by the U.S., which has failed in the past, is failing now, and will continue to fail in the future. They have now resorted to using religion, knowing that Nigerians are deeply religious and patriotic,” he said.
Anache also praised some Christian leaders who openly rejected Trump’s claims, stressing that violent attacks in Nigeria affect both Muslims and Christians.
He commended the Nigerian government for its dedication to maintaining peace in West Africa and urged it to remain resolute despite any threats from the United States.
“The divisive tactic of using religion to divide and rule Nigeria, which has been their plan since 1960, will never succeed, not now, not ever,” Anache declared.
It will be recalled that the United States recently threatened to deploy its arsenal against those it claimed were responsible for the killing of Christians in northern Nigeria.
However, Trump’s statement sparked widespread reactions both within and outside Nigeria.
