Akume Calls on Nigerians to Speak with One Voice Against Country of Particular Concern Designation

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George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, has reaffirmed there is no genocide against Christians in Nigeria and called on Nigerians to unite and speak with one voice against terrorism.

“I wish to appeal to the sense of patriotism of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasions that now is the time to speak with one strong and united voice to confront a common enemy – the terrorists, bandits and extremists, insurgents, and completely eradicate them from our national borders.”

In a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, November 19, Akume, a former governor of Benue State and senator, pointed out that terrorism and banditry in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims and was wrongly ‘misrepresented’ as genocide by the United States due to propaganda by Nigerians seeking asylum in U.S.

He argued, “No credible international institution has designated the crisis as genocide against Christians. Boko Haram/ISWAP attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. Bandits target all communities without religious distinction; victims include Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists, confirming that the drivers are economic and ideological, not religious extermination.”

He said the “current misrepresentation of the crisis as ‘genocide against Christians’ fuels dangerous religious tensions, emboldens extremist and criminal factions seeking to exploit sectarian narratives, creates diplomatic frictions based on inaccurate interpretations, and undermines Nigeria’s longstanding efforts to build constructive international security partnerships.”

Regrettably, Akume noted that “recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets. Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry. This resurgence underscores the vital need for collaboration – not public labeling – between Nigeria and the United States,” whom he described a great ally.

He stated that “the North-West banditry is purely economic deterministic, and not (due to) religious factors, including: Competition for grazing routes, water resources and farmlands exacerbated by desertification; Cattle rustling linked to cross-border livestock markets along Al-Qaeda-influenced smuggling routes; Illegal mining of gold and other minerals in Benue, Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara States, funding arms purchases; Kidnapping-for-ransom, now an organised industry.; Extortion and illegal taxation of rural communities; and Control of fertile agricultural land and transport corridors. These pressures, not religious, explain the persistence of violence in the North-West.”

Against this background, he reaffirmed, “Nigeria rejects any characterisation of the conflict as a genocide against Christians or any group.

“Verified evidence shows that insurgents and criminal networks attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. 

“The government remains committed to protecting all citizens and strengthening cooperation with international partners -especially the United States – to dismantle extremist and criminal networks.

“Nigeria is a secular state as guaranteed by various provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.  No state religion is adopted as a national religion, and no citizen of Nigeria is above the Nigerian constitution. 

“The appointments made by the present administration reflect the diversities of our nation and both Christians and Muslims are members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) holding key position in equal proportion including the Nigerian security council, the body that deals with all security challenges in Nigeria.”

Going forward, the SGF listed five activities the government would do to address the security challenges in the country: strengthen nationwide security operations; deepen intelligence-sharing with the United States and allies; intensify follow-the-money operations targeting illegal mining, trafficking, all other forms of transnational crimes in Nigeria; Enhance rural security and, border surveillance and governance; and uphold strict human-rights safeguards.

He called for collaboration against terrorism. “As the United States remains the largest democracy in the world, and Nigeria, the largest democracy in Africa, modelled after the American system, our two nations share a historic responsibility to work together to promote global stability, strengthen democratic values especially in Africa, and confront extremist threats in Nigeria and other neighbouring nations. Nigeria is committed to deepening our diplomatic ties and strategic partnership based on mutual respect and reciprocity.  

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories, degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP leadership structures, and conducted successful multi-theatre operations. Nigeria does not require foreign troops. What is needed is targeted support from partners, especially the United States, in the areas of intelligence cooperation, technology and military equipment support for advanced engagement against the insurgents.”