Former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has condemned the recent attempt to label Nigeria with the charge of genocide, describing it as “unjustified and unfair.” He cautioned that such allegations could have serious diplomatic and reputational implications for the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Akinyemi expressed dismay over the U.S. State Department’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged violations of religious freedom and its proposal to sanction Nigerian officials accused of facilitating violence against Christians.
“As a Nigerian, I am depressed and upset that the charge of genocide will be levelled at my country,” he said. “To now link Nigeria with Israel and accuse us of genocide is unjustified.”
He admitted that while there have been violent incidents in the Middle Belt, they do not amount to genocide, stressing that citizens must avoid demarketing the country through exaggerated narratives.
Akinyemi faulted the slow government response, warning that inaction could lead to visa bans, sanctions, and diplomatic isolation. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to urgently engage their U.S. counterparts to correct the narrative and defend Nigeria’s image.
“This is not a partisan issue,” he added. “It must be handled at the highest diplomatic level.”
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