On his way to a major television interview, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, received a flood of messages. The advice was the same: do not talk about former US President Donald Trump. But Wike said he could not stay silent.
He described Trump’s recent claim that the Nigerian government supports the killing of Christians as a dangerous falsehood. Wike called it “politics taken too far” and stated that the accusation was personally offensive to him.
The minister laid out his reasons for being so upset. “I am a Nigerian. I am a Christian. My father is a pastor,” he stated firmly. He serves in President Bola Tinubu’s government, and he said the allegation feels like a direct attack on his own character and faith.
Wike insisted that the government he is part of does not condone violence against any religious group. He argued that such a serious charge is an indictment on him personally, as well as on his family and his beliefs.
His strong reaction adds a powerful voice to the global debate sparked by Trump’s statements. Trump had suggested the Nigerian government allows persecution and even hinted at possible US intervention.
Wike urged both Nigerians and the international community to dismiss these claims. He maintained that the country is committed to protecting every citizen, regardless of their religion.
