US PUTS NIGERIA ON HER BLACKLIST FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM VIOLATIONS

Donald Trump’s Government Puts Nigeria on Religious Freedom Blacklist

• Nigeria joined countries like China, Iran and Saudi Arabia on the list.
• Many Nigerians have slammed the US for putting Nigeria on such a list.

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In what will come with mixed reactions given Nigeria’s volatile religious environment, the United States government has included the country on a blacklist of nations where “systematic, ongoing, egregious religious freedom violations” are an issue of concern.

This was disclosed in a tweet by the secretary of state, Mike Pompeo. According to Pompeo, Nigeria joined extreme countries like China, Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Donald Trump’s government puts Nigeria on religious freedom blacklist. Trump’s government has added Nigeria on list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) guilty of egregious violations of religious freedom.

The US Secretary Tweet @SecPompeo on December 7, 2020;

“Today the U.S. designates Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, the DPRK, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as countries of concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for engaging systematic, ongoing, egregious religious freedom violations”.

“The U.S. is unwavering in its commitment to religious freedom. No country or entity should be allowed to persecute people with impunity because of their beliefs. These annual designations show that when religious freedom is attacked, we will act”.

DW.com reports that nations on the blacklist must make improvements or face sanctions including losses of US government assistance. Meanwhile, the announcement was greeted by diverse reactions from Nigerians on social media, while some slammed the US government for the blacklist, others wanted to know what criteria was used.

John Michae in his reaction said: “Even those sponsoring religious persecution are well known and are occupying top government positions. Last week for instance they stopped all FM stations in Nasarawa State from playing Christmas carols and you think the world doesn’t know what happens in this country.”

Ken Odibendi said: “Nigeria should add the United States to the list of countries with incompetent Presidents, who couldn’t handle the covid pandemic, and where electoral votes are dubiously contested.”

Ejiofor Chinedu added: “Nigeria is a country where religion is a business affair. Clergymen make billions of dollars from it. They use their accounts for corruption. They don’t pay tax and its only free business in Nigeria.”

Taiwo Adetolure alleges: “I have said it when Buhari used to spring himself to all the Arab and jihadist country in the name of partnership. Now all his journeys brought back killings of innocent peoples not to practice their religion. Bad economy and inflation in Nigeria and poor performances, nepotism and corruption in his administration.”

Abdullahi Baba Abdullahi “What were the criteria used to include Nigeria? Why is a country like Angola that totally banned Islam not included? What of India and Burma with high records of religious persecution? Do not allow your hatred for Buhari to becloud your sense of judgment. If you hate Buhari, do you also hate Nigeria? Remember Nigeria is not Buhari as he will not be there forever. Nigeria was included on the list and not Buhari.”

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that apart from constantly refusing to concede defeat in the United States’ presidential election, President Donald Trump according to a reliable source, has another plan.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP.

President Trump, ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden, is reportedly planning to leave the White House via Airforce One to Florida where he will stage a campaign rally for 2024.

Many see this as Trump’s latest move to outshine Biden during his inauguration ceremony.

By FAYOMI Solomon Adebayo – Madoga