Nigeria Blasts US For Excluding It From Nicki Minaj UN Event On Christian Killings
Nigeria on Tuesday criticised the United States for excluding it from a UN event organised by rapper Nicki Minaj on alleged Christian persecution.
Syndoph Endoni, Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires at the country’s permanent mission to the UN, described the exclusion from the New York discussion as “shaving our head in our absence.”
The event, held at UN headquarters in collaboration with the U.S. permanent mission, focused on the reported killings and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
It followed President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ over alleged Christian genocide—a claim Nigeria has repeatedly rejected.
Endoni stressed the importance of involving Nigeria in such discussions, saying, “You should not make important decisions or take action on something that involves a country without their presence or consent.” He added that excluding Nigeria denied the nation the opportunity to present its side of the story.
The envoy expressed disappointment that only a limited number of countries were invited and questioned the rationale for shutting Nigeria out.
“We asked the U.S. authorities if it was okay to continue to shave someone’s hair in his absence,” he said, emphasising that the Nigerian government is not idle regarding attacks by criminals.
Endoni highlighted that the countries could only address Nigeria’s security challenges effectively through cooperation and called for more inclusive engagement to avoid unnecessary tensions over claims of Christian persecution.
Ahead of the event, Patricia Mahoney, U.S. Senior Advisor for African Affairs, visited the Nigerian House in New York to inform Endoni about the meeting.
She noted that three UN member states and several personalities, including a Nigerian pastor, were invited, but no official from the Nigerian government was included, as the event was private.
The Nigerian envoy also raised concerns over the U.S. practice of publicly naming and shaming, saying it could create apprehension in the country.
He explained that Nigeria’s exclusion was due to participants’ requests to prevent potential retribution against Nigerian officials and their families.
Despite this, Endoni affirmed that Nigeria would continue to engage the U.S. on security challenges, working together to protect lives and property.
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.
