Falana Accuses Trump Of Lying About ‘Christian Genocide’ In Nigeria
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of fabricating claims about an alleged “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing him as a leader driven by hostility toward Africa. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Falana dismissed Trump’s assertion that thousands of Christians were being systematically killed in Nigeria, calling it a baseless and misleading statement. “My position is that Mr. Trump has lied to the whole world by alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria without any evidence to back it up,” Falana said. He explained that the violence in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but rooted in criminality, insecurity, and economic struggles. “He said about 3,100 Christians have been killed in Nigeria. But when you look at the facts, those behind the killings — terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or gunmen — do not care about religion. What they are after is ransom or control of territory. It’s not about religion,” he said. Falana highlighted that in states such as Benue and Plateau, most violent clashes are tied to land and grazing disputes. “Those who are killing there are either trying to take land or feed their animals,” he added. The senior lawyer urged the Federal Government not to be alarmed by Trump’s recent threat of military action against Nigeria but to focus on strengthening its internal security. “Instead of losing sleep over Trump’s statement, the government should look inward and identify its own failings,” he said. He further alleged that Trump’s comments form part of a broader geopolitical agenda targeting Africa’s natural resources and global alliances. “I know him, I know his antics, I know his hatred for Africa. This whole issue is about Nigeria’s resources. The same people pushing this agenda are also saying China must be cut down to size in Africa. We must understand the global politics behind it and the mistakes our own leaders have made,” Falana said. His remarks come amid rising diplomatic tension following Trump’s directive for U.S. forces to prepare for possible military intervention in Nigeria.