Ndume, Others Urge FG to Engage U.S. Over “Country of Particular Concern” Tag Accuse Senate of Complacency

Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has reacted to the declaration by former United States President Donald Trump, listing Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

President Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post on Friday, which was also shared via the White House’s official X handle.

According to reports, a sovereign nation is designated a “Country of Particular Concern” by the United States when it engages in actions deemed harmful to U.S. interests or in violation of universal human rights standards. Such countries risk facing sanctions, including restrictions on military aid, trade, and cooperation in specific sectors. Senior officials involved in acts of repression could also be denied U.S. visas.

In his post, President Trump stated:

> “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’

> “But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done!

> “I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me.”

Reacting to the development, Senator Ndume, who represents Borno Central, criticized the Federal Government and the Senate for what he described as complacency in addressing the concerns raised earlier by U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore before the declaration was made.

He called on the Tinubu administration to urgently engage the U.S. government, presenting verified data on terrorist activities in Nigeria to clarify that the violence is not faith-based but indiscriminate.

“I have alerted the government; I even moved a motion. Nigeria is a sovereign state—it’s not about what the United States can do to us, but the misconception and ripple effects of classifying us as a country of concern,” Ndume said.

“We should engage the American government by presenting facts and figures. They need to hear the other side of the story from both the Nigerian government and the Muslim community. Muslims have been killed too. The genocide isn’t against Christians alone but Nigerians in general.”

Ndume further advised the Federal Government to involve seasoned diplomats in any dialogue with Washington.

“Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage experienced diplomats like Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Professor Sulu Gambari, and Amina Mohammed of the United Nations. The American embassy in Nigeria should also be engaged, as they have the facts.

“We can change the narrative by ensuring Nigeria is not tagged a country of particular concern but rather one of special concern—so that we can continue to receive support, including arms and ammunition, to combat terrorism. The good thing about America is that when they know the truth, they stick to it,” Ndume added.