Americans Have Right to Defend Persecuted Nigerian Christians — Babachir Lawal
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said American Christians have the right to defend Nigerian Christians if they believe the latter are facing persecution.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Lawal said such intervention is in line with Biblical principles of Christian solidarity and should not be condemned.
He was reacting to allegations by the United States government about attacks on Christians in Nigeria and President Donald Trump’s warning of possible military action.
According to him, it is the Nigerian government’s responsibility to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens, adding that failure to do so could force affected groups to seek help from outside the country.
“The government should assure us they can give us the peace and prosperity we desire. If they are unable to do that, they cannot blame any part of society that decides to seek help from anywhere,” he said.
Lawal emphasised that defending fellow believers is consistent with Christian teachings, noting that the idea of “Christian brotherhood” obliges believers to protect one another regardless of nationality or ethnicity.
“In the Bible, we are taught to be our brothers’ keepers. If American Christians decide to come to the aid of Nigerian Christians because they are in distress, that is Biblical. They are within their right to do so if Christians feel they are unable to defend themselves,” he added.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
