Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has described recent allegations linking Nigeria to acts of genocide as unjustified, unfair, and harmful to the country’s international reputation.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Friday, Akinyemi expressed strong disapproval of attempts to group Nigeria with countries facing genocide accusations, especially in comparison to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Israel.
“As a Nigerian, I am depressed and upset that the charge of genocide will be levelled at my country,” Akinyemi said. “To now link Nigeria and put us in the same basket as Israel and accuse us of genocide, I think it is unjustified.”
The former minister warned that such claims could have serious diplomatic and reputational consequences for Nigeria, potentially affecting its global standing and foreign relations.
In September, the United States State Department designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom. This designation opens the door for possible sanctions against Nigerian officials accused of enabling or failing to stop religious-based violence, particularly against Christians in parts of the country.
Although the Nigerian government has denied systematic targeting of any religious group, critics, including some international observers, have raised concerns about persistent attacks, especially in the Middle Belt and other volatile regions.
Akinyemi acknowledged that the security challenges in parts of Nigeria, including attacks by bandits and communal clashes, have led to tragic loss of lives. However, he maintained that these incidents, while serious, do not amount to genocide.
“Yes, we’ve had troubling incidents in the Middle Belt and other areas, but they are complex issues involving banditry, ethnic tensions, and poor governance. It is wrong to call it genocide,” he said.
The elder statesman criticised the Nigerian government’s slow and weak response to the genocide accusations, warning that silence or delay could be interpreted as indifference or even guilt.
He urged the authorities to treat the matter as a national concern and respond with clarity, urgency, and diplomacy.
“This is not a partisan issue or one for the National Assembly alone. It should be treated as a national emergency. Nigeria must defend itself and set the record straight,” he said.
Akinyemi, a respected academic and diplomat, served as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister between 1985 and 1987 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. He is widely regarded for his expertise in foreign policy and international relations.
