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FG rejects U.S religious freedom blacklist, says Nigeria not targeting Christians
FG rejects U.S religious freedom blacklist, says Nigeria not targeting Christians
The Federal Government has dismissed the decision by the United States to reinstate Nigeria on its list of “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom, insisting that insecurity in the country is not directed at any ethnic or religious group.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the government’s position known on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja.
“The security situation in Nigeria is not targeted at a particular ethnic or religious minority,” Idris said, describing the U.S. designation as a product of misinformation being spread by individuals with links to foreign lobbyists.
‘Misinformation Sponsored by Foreign Lobbies’
The minister alleged that some Nigerians with political or criminal motives are collaborating with lobbyists in the U.S. to misrepresent the country’s security challenges.
He cited records from the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which he said showed links between “influencers of criminal activities” in Nigeria and lobby groups abroad.
“These are people who go around spreading falsehood about religious persecution. It is not true. Nigerian security agencies protect every citizen, whether in the minority or majority,” he maintained.
Idris explained that difficulty in accessing remote communities sometimes delays security response, but the government is investing heavily in infrastructure and community policing to improve safety nationwide.
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Trump’s Threat of Military Action
The latest controversy follows former U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive to the Pentagon to prepare “fast, vicious and sweet” strikes in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
The Nigerian government, however, said it maintains cordial relations with Washington and dismissed claims that the absence of ambassadors contributed to the U.S. stance.
‘Narrative Driven by Defeated Politicians’ – Solid Minerals Minister
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, also alleged that some politicians who lost elections are fuelling claims of “Christian genocide” abroad.
He warned that amplifying such narratives could worsen insecurity “in a way that no one can predict.”
Keyamo: Tinubu’s Record Proves Nigeria Not Anti-Christian
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also faulted Trump’s allegation, describing it as “false and unfair.”
Keyamo said he had spent over 30 years defending human rights and would never serve in a government that targeted Christians.
He noted that most of Nigeria’s current security chiefs are Christians and highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s religiously diverse family as proof of tolerance.
“Tinubu is a moderate Muslim. His wife is a pastor, and many of his children are practising Christians. He will be the last person to approve the killing of Christians,” Keyamo said.
He added that insecurity in Nigeria affects “both Muslims and Christians,” and urged the U.S. to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts rather than rely on “distorted reports.”
FG rejects U.S religious freedom blacklist, says Nigeria not targeting Christians
News
NLC threatens nationwide protests as insecurity worsens, withdraws support for Labour Party
NLC threatens nationwide protests as insecurity worsens, withdraws support for Labour Party
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that it will no longer remain passive as criminal gangs intensify violent attacks across the country, declaring its readiness to hold a national day of mourning and mobilise nationwide protests over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the country was “under siege,” condemning the latest school kidnapping and the reported withdrawal of security personnel before the attack. He demanded a full investigation to expose any possible compromise within the nation’s security architecture.
“The NLC cannot stand idly by and allow criminals to take over our country—never again. We want to know who ordered the withdrawal of security operatives from that school. We will not allow kidnappers and bandits to overrun our nation,” Ajaero said.
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He stressed that the labour movement would soon announce details of the planned protests and national mourning, insisting the lives of teachers, students and workers were in grave danger. “It is getting out of hand. We can no longer bear this,” he added.
Ajaero also revealed that the NLC had withdrawn its representatives from the Labour Party, accusing them of pursuing personal interests rather than representing workers.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, who addressed the meeting, warned that the country was in “serious trouble” over rising kidnappings and attacks. He rejected calls for foreign military intervention, cautioning that such a move would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Falana criticised recent statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing them as unacceptable. He urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to protect citizens, saying: “We want to let the world know that we are not a conquered people.”
He called on labour unions, civil society organisations and Nigerians to prepare to resist any further decline in national security.
NLC threatens nationwide protests as insecurity worsens, withdraws support for Labour Party
News
Boris Johnson Hails Kemi Badenoch as “Future UK Prime Minister” During Visit to Nigeria
Boris Johnson Hails Kemi Badenoch as “Future UK Prime Minister” During Visit to Nigeria
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has praised UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, describing her as a “future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom” during his visit to Nigeria for the Imo State Economic Summit 2025.
Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his efforts to boost economic development and improve security, noting that he felt “perfectly safe” despite earlier warnings about Nigeria’s security situation.
Johnson highlighted the state government’s push to deliver 24-hour electricity, stressing that reliable power and clean, sustainable energy are essential for economic growth as the world moves into an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future.
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He also emphasized the strong historical and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, praising the exchange of goods, services, and highly skilled professionals between both countries.
In a humorous remark that sparked applause, Johnson said: “We send you former UK prime ministers, and you send us future UK prime ministers in the form of Kemi Badenoch.”
The summit, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, business mogul Aliko Dangote, and other top government and private-sector leaders, focused on strategies to accelerate Imo State’s economic transformation.
Boris Johnson Hails Kemi Badenoch as “Future UK Prime Minister” During Visit to Nigeria
News
US authorities arrest Nigerian CEO Cashmir Chinedu Luke for alleged $7m VA fraud
US Authorities Arrest Nigerian CEO Cashmir Chinedu Luke for Alleged $7m VA Fraud
The CEO of a United States-based home care company, Cashmir Chinedu Luke, has been arrested by American authorities for allegedly defrauding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of more than $7 million.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Luke was arrested on Wednesday at the San Francisco International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Nigeria.
Court documents indicate that between December 2019 and July 2024, the 66-year-old operated Four Corners Health LLC, a Fresno-based company that provided unskilled in-home care services to elderly veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program. The company reportedly served clients in Fresno, Tulare, Merced, Mariposa, Madera, San Francisco, and Contra Costa counties.
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Prosecutors allege that Luke orchestrated a five-year scheme involving 10,000 false claims, billing the VA for services not rendered — including hours not worked by caregivers, duplicate claims, days when caregivers were absent, and even care for veterans who were already dead.
As the sole owner and billing representative, Luke allegedly deceived the VA’s third-party benefits administrator, enabling the fraudulent scheme to continue and allowing him to personally profit. Authorities say he spent the funds on lavish personal expenses and transferred large sums through a network of bank accounts across Asia and Africa.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Lee is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Luke faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, though sentencing will depend on federal guidelines and judicial discretion.
The DOJ emphasized that the charges remain allegations, and Luke is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
US Authorities Arrest Nigerian CEO Cashmir Chinedu Luke for Alleged $7m VA Fraud
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