US Block Nigerian Diplomats From Nicki Minaj Show Over “Christian Genocide” Claim

Nigeria don express strong concern on Tuesday over di U.S. decision to block Nigeria from attending U.S. rapper Nicki Minaj event wey focus on alleged Christian genocide. Di chargé d’affaires for Nigeria permanent mission to di UN, Syndoph Endoni, talk say excluding Nigeria from di UN headquarters discussion na like “shaving person head for im absence.” Di Minaj event, wey di U.S. mission to di UN organize, follow recent claims of persecution and violent killing of Christians for Nigeria, plus former U.S. President Donald Trump labeling Nigeria as “country of particular concern.” But Nigeria don repeatedly deny di genocide allegation, and Mr Endoni stress say di country wey dem dey accuse suppose get voice for di matter. E accuse U.S. authorities of denying Nigeria chance to talk dia own side of di story and question why only few countries attend di event while shutting Nigeria out.

Mr Endoni say dem ask di U.S. whether e make sense to “dey shave person hair without am,” insisting say Nigeria no dey fold hand while criminals dey cause atrocities. E add say both countries fit solve Nigeria security wahala only if dem work together and do inclusive engagement to avoid unnecessary tension over alleged Christian persecution. U.S. Senior Advisor for African Affairs, Patricia Mahoney, visit Nigerian House for New York to inform Nigeria about di Minaj event, but she talk say di gathering be private and Nigerian government officials no dey invited, even though a Nigerian pastor attend. She claim say participants request make Nigerian officials no come for fear of retribution. Di Nigerian envoy warn say U.S. “naming and shaming” strategy fit cause panic for di country, but assure say Nigeria go continue to engage U.S. authorities on killings by extremists and work together to protect lives and property.