By Sodiq Adelakun
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has written an open letter to former US President Donald Trump, disputing claims of an ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria.
The letter, shared on X on Wednesday, November 5, urges the US government to engage in dialogue with Nigeria to obtain a balanced perspective.
Keyamo, a Christian and senior lawyer with over three decades of experience in human rights advocacy, described President Bola Tinubu as a “moderate” who has accommodated Nigerians of all faiths in his cabinet.
He stressed that the Nigerian government does not target Christians specifically and that claims of state-sanctioned killings are false.
He wrote: “Because of my strong Christian background and ethical pedigree, it would have been unconscionable for me to serve in a government if Christians were specifically targeted. It is simply not true.”
Keyamo acknowledged the security challenges Nigeria faces, citing attacks from Boko Haram, herders, and cattle rustlers.
He noted that the government has made significant progress in combating these threats and that most security chiefs are Christians, making complicity in targeting Christians implausible.
He further emphasized Nigeria’s secular framework, noting the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits the adoption of a state religion.
“The insecurity in some parts of the country affects all religious groups, and this government has not sought to protect one set of adherents over others,” Keyamo added.
The minister called for “frank and open dialogue” between the US and Nigerian governments and requested that foreign authorities broaden their sources of information to gain a comprehensive view of the nation’s security situation.
