Aloy Ejimakor, who serves as the Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has firmly backed the recent decision by United States President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). According to Ejimakor, the move is a necessary international intervention aimed at addressing the continuing reports of religious persecution, particularly against Christians in northern Nigeria.
Trump’s designation comes in response to increasing allegations of widespread attacks, targeted killings, and what he described as possible acts of genocide against Christians. He also signaled that the United States may consider taking swift and strategic action against extremist groups believed to be sponsoring or carrying out violence in the country if the Nigerian government fails to address the situation.
‘Only the Guilty Should Feel Threatened’
Reacting to the development, Ejimakor used his X (formerly Twitter) platform to express his approval of the decision. He emphasized that the CPC designation should not unsettle patriotic Nigerians or law-abiding citizens. Instead, he argued, the only individuals who should feel uneasy about the move are those who have benefitted from or enabled religious extremism, violence, and acts of terror.
Ejimakor stressed that Trump’s action should not be viewed as hostility toward Nigeria as a nation but as an attempt to deploy international influence to help curb violent extremism. He noted that the CPC status is designed to unlock strategic American support tools — particularly soft power — that could assist Nigeria in combating monumental security and religious-motivated violence.
In his words: “The designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is intended to unlock the full potential of American soft power and place it at the disposal of Nigeria in the fight against religious terror. If you feel threatened by it, then you’re a suspect. Simple!”
Background and Implications
The Country of Particular Concern status is a significant international classification reserved for countries accused of enabling or ignoring severe violations of religious freedom. Nigeria had previously appeared on the list in 2020 under the Trump administration, before being removed by the Biden administration in subsequent years.
The renewed designation has reignited debate across Nigeria, drawing reactions from political leaders, analysts, activists, and citizens. Supporters argue it is a necessary wake-up call to address persistent security failures, while critics say it risks foreign interference and diplomatic strain. Nonetheless, the development has again placed global attention on Nigeria’s internal security crisis, especially in regions plagued by extremist insurgencies and religiously motivated violence.
As public discussions continue, observers note that the designation may trigger diplomatic communications, security collaborations, and renewed scrutiny of Nigeria’s handling of religious and ethnic conflicts. Many Nigerians will be closely watching how both nations navigate the heightened diplomatic tension and what concrete actions may follow in the coming weeks.