Beyond Sovereignty: Nigeria’s Quest for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity -By Adeleye Stephen O.

The recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States government has ignited a contentious debate, underscoring the nation’s struggles with ensuring religious freedom. This is not only a development that has instilled trepidation among citizens but also exposed the propensity of Nigerian politicians to prioritize political interests over the welfare of the masses. Notably, some prominent figures, including Remo Omokri and Femi Fani-Kayode, have been swift to revise their stance on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. However, the facts remain unequivocal. The US Department of State had previously designated Nigeria as a CPC in 2020 due to egregious violations of religious freedom, and the situation has reportedly deteriorated since then.

The primary responsibility of any sovereign government is to protect the lives of its citizens. Regrettably, the Nigerian government has fallen short in this regard, despite substantial allocations to the armed forces. The incessant attacks on Christians, particularly in the North Central region, have resulted in significant loss of life and liberty. The Boko Haram insurgency, which began with the mass killing of Christians, has resulted in the deaths of over 52,250 people in the past 14 years. It is essential to acknowledge that the controversy surrounding the focus on Christian persecution should not overshadow the fact that both Christians and Muslims have been affected by violence and terrorism. Muslims have also been targeted, including the 2014 Chibok girls’ abduction and various mosque attacks during the Goodluck Jonathan administration till date.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been vocal about the plight of Christians, and the Nigerian government’s failure to effectively address the mass slaughtering of innocent lives has led to CAN seeking international assistance. Rather than being viewed as betrayers, their efforts should be appreciated as a necessary step towards addressing the security challenges facing the country.

The implications of being listed as a CPC are not about a war or control over Nigerian resources but rather about the imposition of non-economic policies to address human rights violations, where these have been exhausted, and economic measures such as suspending Nigerias’ military access to acquire new ammunition to further prevent arm proliferation, suspending government access to loan to mention but few. The US government’s involvement is aimed at promoting religious freedom and protecting human lives.

Rather than viewing this as a threat, the Nigerian government should collaborate with the US to track and eliminate non-state actors and their sponsors. In light of the Nigerian government’s struggles to combat terrorism, it is crucial to consider the potential benefits of US assistance in eradicating insurgent terrorists and restoring safety to lives and human liberty. As Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso suggested, the US could assist Nigeria with cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems. The fundamental question is: Should Nigeria prioritize its sovereignty over the lives of its citizens? Has the government truly done enough to protect its people, or is it time to consider alternative solutions? Given the country’s history of corruption and ineffective governance, it is imperative to weigh the potential benefits of US intervention against the risks.

Ultimately, the goal should be to restore peace, stability, and prosperity to Nigeria, rather than allowing insurgent groups to continue their reign of terror. In conclusion, it is in Nigeria’s best interest to adapt and work with the US to address its security challenges and promote religious freedom. By doing so, Nigeria can restore peace, stability, and prosperity to its citizens, rather than allowing insurgent groups to continue their destruction. It is time for Nigeria to prioritize the protection of its citizens and work towards a more stable and secure future.