Trump’s Nigeria CPC Tag Sparks Tension As Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Declares Only The Guilty Should Feel Threatened

 

Former United States President Donald Trump’s decision to categorize Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern has continued to stir intense reactions across political and social circles. The latest response comes from Aloy Ejimakor, the Special Counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who has thrown his full support behind the move.

According to Ejimakor, there is no reason for any upright Nigerian or group to feel threatened by Trump’s designation, unless they have something to hide. The lawyer’s comment came as debates escalated over the implications of the U.S. government’s position, which followed reports of widespread religious persecution and the killing of Christians in parts of northern Nigeria.

Trump’s declaration, made over the weekend, places Nigeria in a diplomatic spotlight once again. It reflects growing concern in Washington about the continuing violence attributed to extremist groups and the Nigerian government’s perceived inability or unwillingness to protect minority religious communities. By being listed as a Country of Particular Concern, Nigeria joins a small group of nations the U.S. believes systematically violate religious freedoms.

The former president reportedly emphasized that the move was a response to credible reports of genocide and targeted attacks on Christian communities in the northern region. He also hinted at the possibility of U.S. intervention, including military measures, aimed at suppressing Islamic extremist groups accused of orchestrating mass killings and terror attacks.

Ejimakor, taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressed approval of the decision, describing it as a crucial step toward ensuring justice for victims of religious violence. He argued that Trump’s action should not be seen as an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty but as a necessary global effort to combat religious extremism that has plagued the country for years.

According to him, “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.” He then added pointedly, “If you feel threatened by it, then you’re a suspect. Simple.”

Observers have noted that Ejimakor’s remarks align with a growing sentiment among Nigerians who believe international intervention may be the only way to address the worsening security crisis. With thousands of lives lost to insurgency, banditry, and religiously motivated killings, many citizens have accused successive governments of failing to protect their communities or bring perpetrators to justice.

Trump’s classification also raises diplomatic and economic implications for Nigeria. Countries placed on the CPC list often face increased scrutiny, sanctions, and conditionalities tied to foreign aid or military assistance. Yet, some analysts argue that such pressure could compel the Nigerian government to take more decisive action against terror groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militia elements accused of targeting Christians and other minorities.

Meanwhile, Ejimakor’s support for Trump’s move has drawn mixed reactions. Critics accuse him of politicizing the issue, claiming that his defense of the U.S. decision aligns with IPOB’s long-standing narrative of state-sponsored persecution of Christians and southeastern Nigerians. Supporters, however, see his comments as a courageous defense of truth and human rights, particularly at a time when Nigeria’s leadership has been accused of downplaying religiously motivated violence.

Still, voices like Ejimakor’s highlight a growing divide between government narratives and public perception. Many citizens remain unconvinced that enough is being done to end the suffering of those caught in the web of extremist violence. The lawyer’s statement underscores a sentiment shared by many Nigerians who believe global attention might be the only force capable of holding both terrorists and complicit officials accountable.

As conversations around the designation continue, one reality remains clear: Nigeria’s religious and security crises have become matters of international concern. Whether Trump’s controversial declaration leads to constructive reform or deepens diplomatic friction will depend largely on how Nigeria responds in the coming months. For Ejimakor and many others, however, the message is simple and uncompromising — only those with guilty hands should feel threatened by the truth.