By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
Nigeria has raised strong objections to a U.S. decision barring its diplomats from attending an event hosted by American rapper Nicki Minaj at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The forum focused on allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, claims Abuja has consistently dismissed.
Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires to the UN, Syndoph Endoni on Tuesday said the exclusion amounted to taking a major decision about a country without giving it an opportunity to respond.
“It felt like shaving a man’s head in his absence,” Endoni said, criticising what he considered an attempt to discuss sensitive accusations without Nigeria in the room.
The event, organised in partnership with the U.S. Permanent Mission to the UN, centred on the persecution and violent attacks against Christians in Nigeria. It also followed President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged targeted killings.
The Nigerian Government has repeatedly rejected these accusations, and Endoni insisted the country should have been allowed to present its own account.
“It is crucial that the nation being accused is present and able to speak,” he said. “Important decisions should not be taken without involving the country concerned”.
He added that blocking Nigeria’s participation deprived the government of the chance to clarify ongoing security challenges and outline efforts taken to curb extremist violence.
According to the envoy, only a few UN member states were invited to the meeting, along with other selected personalities, including a Nigerian pastor. However, U.S. officials informed him that no Nigerian government representative or diplomat was permitted to attend because the event was considered private.
Endoni also criticised what he described as the U.S. practice of “naming and shaming”, warning that such approaches could heighten tensions. He noted that Washington cited concerns expressed by participants, who reportedly feared retaliation against them or their families if Nigerian officials were present.
The envoy disclosed that Patricia Mahoney, the U.S. Senior Advisor for African Affairs, had visited the Nigerian House in New York a day earlier to convey information about the event. She confirmed that three UN member states were invited but maintained that the restriction on Nigerian officials stood.
Despite the diplomatic friction, Endoni said Nigeria would continue engaging its U.S. counterparts on security issues, especially ongoing extremist violence, with a view to strengthening cooperation to protect lives and property at home.
Worsening Killings
Despite the continuous denial by the Nigerian Government, the terrorists in Nigeria appears to be raising their game.
In seven days, terrorists kidnapped 25 school girls in Kebbi from their hostel, ambushed and killed troops on patrol duties along with their Commander – a Brigadier General.
Only yesterday in Kwara State, terrorists stormed a CAC Church during live service, killed three, including a pastor, and abducted over 20 worshippers.
