A key US lawmaker, Chris Smith, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, publicly called on President Bola Tinubu to enhance security efforts.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, Smith specifically urged Tinubu to crack down on the terrorists destroying lives and property.
He asserted that the Nigerian populace deserves an improved security situation under the Tinubu administration.
“My view is that he has to act; I’m not going to say the good, the bad and the ugly [about Tinubu]. The CPC designation was done in good faith.
“And do it not for us; do it for your own people. They deserved better than looking the other way as all of this happens.
“The foreign minister made a statement on a major television show about how a few people have actually been killed. Please, just tell the truth and combat the evil,” Smith said.
The US House Subcommittee on Africa recently reviewed Nigeria’s potential redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a meeting where speakers expressed divergent views regarding the ongoing killings in Nigeria.
This review followed President Donald Trump’s claim of Christian genocide in Nigeria, which included a threat to send the US military to Nigeria “guns-a-blazing.”
Regarding the CPC designation, a US Congressman stated that while Nigerian officials view it as a punishment, the decision was actually made in good faith.
The Nigerian Government has consistently denied the genocide claim, stating it is actively taking steps to address the nation’s security challenges and confirming that the safety of Nigerians is the administration’s priority.
Persecondnews recalls that President Tinubu had personally signed a statement responding to the accusations, dismissing claims that Nigeria is hostile toward Christians.
He insisted that the country remains committed to religious freedom and tolerance.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it recognise government efforts to safeguard freedom of religion and belief.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said.
Tinubu explained that since 2023, his administration has maintained open engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders while tackling security challenges affecting citizens across faiths and regions.
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across faiths.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.
“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths. Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen cooperation on protecting communities of all faiths,” the President also said.
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