Bandits, K!dnappers Care About Ransom, Not Religion’ – Falana Faults President Trump’s Claims On Nigeria
‘Bandits, Kidnappers Care About Ransom, Not Religion’ – Falana Faults President Trump’s Claims On Nigeria
Falana made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television programme, where he described Trump’s claims as baseless and misleading.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has accused the United States President, Donald Trump of lying to the world by alleging that a Christian genocide is taking place in Nigeria without presenting credible evidence.
Falana made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television programme, where he described Trump’s claims as baseless and misleading.
The renowned lawyer said Trump’s allegation that over 3,100 Christians had been killed in Nigeria was not supported by facts, stressing that the violence across the country is driven by criminality, not religion.
“Mr. Trump has lied to the whole world by alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria. So he’s a liar, without any evidence to back it up,” Falana stated.
“It’s unfortunate, and nobody can support the killing of even a single citizen. But when you look at the narrative of Mr. Trump and match it with what is on ground, the killers — be it terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, or gunmen — do not care about your religion. Many of them care about the ransom.”
Falana, however, said Trump’s controversial statement should serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to end widespread killings and insecurity across the country.
He also noted that Trump had previously criticised South Africa before turning his attention to Nigeria, implying a pattern in the U.S. president’s approach to African nations.
“Nigeria and South Africa are the two leading African countries. For him, we’re either a ‘seat-only’ country or a disgraceful one. But I’m looking at this from a human rights perspective, not as a diplomat,” he added.
Falana urged the Nigerian government to confront the root causes of violence in Nigeria rather than allow foreign leaders to misrepresent the situation.
