Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has warned that the growing Western narrative accusing Nigeria of “Christian genocide” is a dangerous plot designed to divide the country and spark religious conflict.
In a strongly worded statement, Fani-Kayode said he was alarmed by recent comments from American media figures Bill Maher and CNN’s Van Jones, as well as US Senator Ted Cruz, who claimed Christians in Nigeria were being systematically killed. He also noted that Canada’s Parliament had passed a resolution branding Nigeria one of the most dangerous countries for Christians.
The former minister questioned the sudden Western interest in Nigerian Christians, describing it as “fake sympathy” and a “strategic distraction” from the ongoing war in Gaza.
“Since when have the Americans or the West cared about anyone but themselves?” he asked. “Their goal is to shift global attention away from Gaza and punish Nigeria for standing against the genocide there.”
Fani-Kayode praised Nigeria’s stand at the United Nations, where the country’s Vice President condemned the violence in Gaza and called for a two-state solution. He said Western outrage over alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria was retaliation for that stance.
While acknowledging that Christians have suffered horrific attacks from Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terrorist groups, Fani-Kayode insisted that Muslims have also been victims of the same violence. He accused Western powers of hypocrisy, noting that they “funded, armed, and protected” some of the very extremists now ravaging Nigeria.
“This is not a Christian genocide,” he said. “It is a genocide against all Nigerians Christians and Muslims alike by evil terrorists who represent only Satan.”
Fani-Kayode warned that the Western-backed narrative could inflame tensions, alienate Muslims, and push Nigeria towards a catastrophic religious war.
“If we fall for this propaganda, brother will turn on brother, and the country will descend into chaos,” he cautioned. “We must resist this falsehood and reaffirm our unity.”
Recalling his visit to the North-East and North-West in 2020, Fani-Kayode said he witnessed firsthand the devastation in both Muslim-majority and Christian-majority communities, from Zamfara to Benue.
He said his experience convinced him that terrorism in Nigeria is an attack on humanity itself, not on any single faith.
“When terrorists strike, they don’t ask for your religion,” he wrote. “They only care about spilling blood.”
Fani-Kayode called on Nigerians to reject foreign manipulation, unite across religious lines, and confront terrorism as one people.
“We welcome concern but reject lies,” he said. “We must never let outsiders define our story or destroy our peace.”
He ended with a prayer for peace and divine protection for Nigeria.
“May God bless, defend, and protect the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
