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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has dismissed claims of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, insisting that no citizen is persecuted on the basis of religion under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In an open letter to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Keyamo, a human rights lawyer and Christian, described as false the allegation of “mass killings” of Christians in Nigeria.
Keyamo, who recalled receiving the Global Human Rights Award in 2017 from the United States Global Leadership Council, said it would be “unconscionable” for him to serve in a government that condones or sponsors religious persecution.
“Because of my strong Christian background and ethical pedigree, it would have been most unconscionable for me to accept to serve in a government if truly there is any scintilla of truth in the assertion that Christians are specifically targeted in Nigeria for persecution or killings. It is simply not true,” he said.
He explained that Nigeria, like many countries, has faced security challenges from groups such as Boko Haram, herdsmen, and cattle rustlers, but emphasized that these acts of violence have affected citizens of all faiths, not Christians alone.
“Most of the security chiefs appointed by President Tinubu are Christians, so it would be unthinkable to imagine them being complicit in the killing of fellow Christians,” he added.
The minister also described President Tinubu as a “moderate Muslim,” noting that his wife is a Pastor in one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal churches, and several of his children are practising Christians.
Keyamo said Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, maintaining that the country remains a secular and multi-faith nation.
He appealed to Trump to seek balanced information about Nigeria’s security situation and to support the country in combating terrorism.
“President Trump, the Nigerian people ask for understanding, support, and cooperation from your government.
“We ask that you broaden your sources of information to get a balanced view of happenings in Nigeria,” he stated.
Keyamo reaffirmed that both ruling and opposition leaders in Nigeria agree there is no targeted killing of Christians, urging the United States to engage Nigeria through dialogue and partnership in addressing its security challenges.
