Uche Nnadozie
This narrative of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria did not start today. It has been carefully engineered — and IPOB has been at the centre of it.
For over a decade, Intersociety, an NGO with clear IPOB sympathies, has been compiling one-sided reports, lobbying Washington, and driving a propaganda campaign to paint Nigeria as a nation at war with Christians. Why? Because IPOB believes that winning global sympathy — especially in the West — improves its chances of securing support for a future Biafra. And of course, some involved are motivated by asylum opportunities and financial incentives.
The Nigerian government failed to counter this machinery early enough and it’s still not doing so even today. We’ve been too casual, too reactive, and seemingly unaware of how narratives and agenda framing shape international policy.
Now: There are “Christian communities” in Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna who feel unsafe and neglected. Their pain is valid. Their fears are real. And the government has not communicated or reassured them effectively. But IPOB does not care about these communities — they are simply pawns in a bigger geopolitical game.
‘Guns-a-blazing’ threat: What does Donald Trump want in all this?
Not to save Christians in Nigeria, for sure. Trump wants a deal — something that puts him at the centre of global attention: leverage, negotiation chips, prisoners, trade, money, influence. It’s about his ego, not compassion.
Meanwhile, some in Nigeria’s opposition are already jumping and dancing, believing they’ve found a weapon to win elections in 2027.
Ndi iberibe — let them continue celebrating illusions.
We will revisit that later.
As for the government — yes, it is doing something, but not enough:
Stronger lobbying is needed in Washington, Brussels, London. I still prefer China as a friend though
Our embassies have gaps. We don’t have ambassadors till date . Citizen mobilization is weak. Diplomatic engagement must be smarter and proactive.At the end of the day, dealing with Trump’s style of politics will require political intelligence. He feeds on validation. If his ego is not massaged, his policy becomes a hammer.
Nigeria must tell its own story (framed with her many global cultural icons), spend money to protect her image, defend its unity, and own its narrative — otherwise, others will continue to define us for their gain.
