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Ex-SGF Babachir Lawal Unveils Early Warnings to the US on Christian Persecution
Babachir Lawal, who previously served as Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has recently shed light on the role of President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari in bringing international attention to the plight of Christians in Nigeria.
APC Leaders’ Early Diplomatic Engagements with the United States
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Lawal revealed that it was Tinubu, Buhari, and other prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who initially approached the United States government to report the systematic violence against Christians during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan. This delegation reportedly met with then-President Barack Obama’s administration to highlight the severity of the crisis.
Lawal recounted, “Whether former President Trump’s statements are accurate or not, it’s important to remember that a delegation, including the current president, was the first to inform the US about the massacre of Christians in Nigeria. I personally saw the photograph of that meeting. Buhari was present, Amaechi was there, and Tinubu was part of the group lobbying the Americans, emphasizing that the Jonathan administration was responsible for genocide.”
Contradictions in Acknowledging Security Challenges
He pointed out the paradox in the current administration’s stance, noting that those who once raised alarms about insecurity and religious violence are now downplaying or denying these issues under their leadership. “It’s perplexing,” Lawal said. “They went abroad to confirm these atrocities, yet now, when confronted domestically, they dismiss the claims, insisting that such violence no longer occurs because they are in power.”
Focus on Security Over Political Narratives
Lawal emphasized that Nigerians are less concerned with political finger-pointing and more focused on tangible security outcomes. “The debate over whether genocide is occurring is secondary to the fundamental demand for safety. Citizens want assurance that their lives and properties are protected. That is the core expectation from any government,” he stated.
Call for Genuine Security Measures
Known for his candid critiques of the current administration, Lawal urged the government to prioritize effective security strategies rather than engaging in media battles to defend its record. He stressed that the government’s legitimacy hinges on its ability to provide real protection to its people amid rising insecurity nationwide.
Contextual Update: Rising Insecurity in Nigeria
Recent reports from the Nigeria Security Tracker indicate a surge in violent incidents targeting religious communities, with over 1,200 fatalities recorded in the past year alone. This underscores the urgency of addressing the security challenges that continue to threaten national stability and social cohesion.
