By Ireti Asemota.
His Excellency Eshanekpe Israel, more commonly referred to as Akpodoro, a former leader in the military and the Mayor of Urhoboland, has defended the Nigerian government in light of the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the Trump administration. Akpodoro said that the United States’ action was “hasty and lacking proper verification” in a statement that was released over the weekend in Abuja.
He also said that religious differences do not cause the country’s security problems. He wondered why the situation was referred to in a religious manner.
Akpodoro asserted that opposition figures’ allegedly promoted misinformation and political maneuvering were used by the Trump administration. He emphasized that Nigeria is still a democratic country with religious freedom guaranteed by the constitution. He also emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu interacts with Christian and Muslim leaders and actively addresses insecurity that affects all citizens. He stated, “Nigeria is a society that is religiously diverse, and this pluralism remains a cornerstone of our unity.
” He also argued that it was unfair to present the conflict in Nigeria as one-sided because it affected people of all faiths. Akpodoro pointedly inquired as to whether Christians killed by ethnic militias in the Southeast were taken into account by the United States. The Mayor also noted that Muslims in the northern regions have long suffered from banditry and insurgency, with government efforts targeting Boko Haram and other extremist groups. He stressed that clashes between farmers and herders in these areas should not be interpreted as religious persecution.
Akpodoro urged the Trump administration to reevaluate the allegations, claiming that some former Nigerian politicians had contributed to the narratives that led to what he characterized as a classification that was “politically motivated and embarrassing.” Reacting to reports from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and other bodies, he said claims suggesting that Christians are being specifically targeted are inaccurate and unfair. While acknowledging the need for improved governance and protection of all faith communities, he argued that the U.S. statement exaggerated the situation.
He emphasized that true religious liberty necessitates both concrete action and a commitment to human life protection. The U.S. and its allies should support Nigeria constructively rather than exacerbate divisions through “one-sided declarations,” according to Akpodoro, who praised the Tinubu administration for its progress in reducing violent extremism. He expressed optimism regarding the socioeconomic reforms and prospects for the country’s future and urged Nigerians to maintain their resilience and support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
