I just saw this:
x.com/i/status/1987524524103…
Pastor Femi, I listened to your message. You said the United States banned Nigeria from buying weapons and stopped the mercenaries that were helping us fight terrorism. You also said the U.S. now wants to come in because Nigeria is rising. Shocking!
This is the truth. During President Goodluck Jonathan’s time, the U.S. under Obama (not Trump) refused to sell weapons to Nigeria because of alleged human rights abuse. It was reported by BBC News on November 11, 2014. Those sanctions came after opposition politicians went to Washington shouting “genocide,” while Jonathan was struggling to stop Boko Haram from overrunning the North. That decision weakened our army and gave terrorists a second life.
Obama’s refusal blocked Nigeria from ending terrorism early. The chance to destroy them was lost. The same mistake gave birth to the insecurity that has expanded to Fulani militia we now live with every day.
Under Trump, the same America (you accused) reversed that failed policy. The U.S. gave Nigeria $590 million worth of arms and $1.8 million in direct security support between 2016 and 2020. These figures are not rumors. They are official records from the U.S. Department of State. Trump corrected what Obama destroyed.
It is unfortunate that you and ISWAP now sound alike in opposing America’s intervention under Trump. The same help that could have stopped more bloodshed is the one you condemned. That is why I must ask, whose side are you on? The victims or the comfort of the city?
Pastor, the truth must be spoken. You cannot use the pulpit to generalize and hide facts. Speak clearly and let those who trust make decision.
And please, do one thing. Hold a crusade in the Middle Belt. Go to Benue, Plateau, or Southern Kaduna where Christians have been killed, displaced, and buried in mass graves. Preach there, not only in the cities where there is comfort and applause.
Do not tell me some are pastors and some are evangelists. The gospel is not about safety or title. Peter went. Paul went. Others went. You can go too.
Maybe then you will understand that no political interest, no foreign policy, and no national image is greater than human life.