*Rebukes Trump’s ‘Christian Genocide’ Claims, Urges Nigeria to Focus on Domestic Security
Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) delivered a scathing critique of U.S. President Donald Trump on Channels Television’s Politics Today, branding his claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria as fabrications driven by anti-African prejudice and geopolitical opportunism.
Speaking live from Abuja, Falana expressed no surprise at Trump’s rhetoric. “When I read the statements credited to Mr. Donald Trump… I wasn’t in any way taken aback,” he said. “He has absolute contempt for Africans. That is why he took on South Africa before Nigeria. But Nigeria and South Africa are the two leading African countries. For him, we are either a ‘shithole’ or a disgraceful country.”
Dismissing Trump’s allegation that 3,100 Christians had been systematically killed, Falana insisted the violence in Nigeria is rooted in criminality rather than religion. “Mr. Trump has lied to the world by alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria without evidence,” he said. “The killers—terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers do not care about religion. Many are motivated by ransom. It’s not about faith.”
Falana cited hotspots such as Benue and Plateau states, where conflicts arise from land disputes and open grazing issues. “Those who are killing there are either seizing land or feeding their animals,” he explained. He criticized the unchallenged spread of the genocide narrative over eight years, referencing Professor Ibrahim Gambari, and urged the Nigerian government to ignore threats of foreign military intervention.
Instead of reacting to Trump, Falana emphasized the government’s responsibility to address domestic policy failures. He pointed to the failure to ban open grazing and establish ranches nationwide. “On my way to Abuja yesterday, I saw cattle grazing on the airport road… along the National Assembly road. Nigeria is the only country in the world where this happens,” he noted.
He also condemned the tolerance of ransom payments, calling for tech-driven rescues: “Today, technology allows you to locate a call and storm the hideout of criminals to rescue kidnapped victims.”
Falana framed Trump’s claims as part of a resource grab and geopolitical maneuvering. “This matter is about Nigeria’s resources. The same people promoting this debate want to counter China in Africa. We must consider geopolitical factors and the errors of our government past and present,” he said.
He accused Trump of hypocrisy, contrasting his vocal criticism of Nigeria with silence on U.S. domestic gun violence, which has claimed over 280,000 lives since 2020, and support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, ruled genocide by the ICJ. Falana also highlighted Trump’s interest in Venezuela, which is 80% Catholic, noting the lack of global outcry despite widespread killings.
Falana provided a stark account of Nigeria’s broader insecurity: 40,000 deaths and 2 million displaced in the Northeast since 2015, mostly Muslims, illustrating that violence is indiscriminate. “Genocide is a deliberate policy to exterminate people. That is not the case in Nigeria these are reckless, misguided criminal elements killing anyone they find,” he said.
He urged state Attorneys-General to prosecute terrorism cases, many of which have been enabled since 2016 but remain largely unused. He also called for swift action on recent arrests, including 53 suspects in Plateau after President Tinubu’s visit.
Addressing recent rumors of a coup amid military reshuffles, Falana demanded transparency: “The government has to clarify the arrests of alleged co-plotters. Nigerians deserve honesty.” He warned against exploiting economic despair, noting that oil revenue gains and subsidy removals have not addressed public grievances. “If Trump is our savior, let him come… the United States has never been a savior to any country. Look at Iraq, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan U.S. intentions are never in favor of the people,” he said.
Falana urged federal, state, and local governments to secure citizens’ lives, review counter-insurgency tactics, and prioritize welfare programs. Citing Cuba as an example, he highlighted the benefits of free education and healthcare for 12 million citizens. “Sovereignty is anchored on the safety and welfare of the people. Mobilizing citizens is the only way to defend the country,” he said.
While China and the EU oppose foreign intervention, Falana stressed Nigeria must rely on self-determination: “The only way to fight a foreign dictator is to mobilize your people by addressing their problems.” As Trump’s threats loom, Falana’s remarks serve as a call for introspection and domestic reform over indignation.
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