Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has made a crucial clarification regarding the All Progressives Congress (APC) delegation's meeting with American officials before the 2015 presidential elections. Contrary to recent allegations, Amaechi maintains the opposition leaders never discussed Christian genocide in Nigeria during their US visit.
APC's Actual Discussion with US Officials
Speaking at the National Conference of Editors on Thursday, November 13, Amaechi provided detailed context about the controversial meeting. The former governor, who was a key figure in President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, emphasized that the discussion solely focused on ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria.
"There was absolutely no meeting in America like that," Amaechi stated, referencing the genocide allegations. "There was just one meeting, and we were invited to the meeting and the discussion. The question was from the Americans - look, we don't want violence in this election, and we should have trust that there would be no violence."
Trump's Military Threat Against Nigeria
The clarification comes amid serious allegations from former US President Donald Trump, who recently threatened military action against Nigeria. Trump alleged that Christians were being systematically killed in Nigeria and directed the US Department of Defence to prepare for "possible action" in the country.
The Nigerian government has strongly rejected these claims, maintaining that all faiths are affected by the nation's security challenges. Before the military threat, Trump had designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern, initially raising the Christian genocide allegation that has sparked widespread international reaction.
International Reactions and Military Base Speculations
While Nigerian authorities have debunked Trump's claims, reports indicate the United States was considering establishing a military base in Port Harcourt. This location, Nigeria's oil headquarters, sits approximately 1,370 kilometers from Maiduguri, the epicenter of terrorist activities in the country.
Many international analysts have questioned Trump's assertions, with both China and the European Union rejecting his position. They have called for respect for Nigeria's sovereignty and emphasized that the country should be allowed to manage its internal affairs without external military interference.
The US African Command has reportedly listed three potential strategies for operations in Nigeria, though details remain classified. This development occurs despite thorough fact-checking that has largely discredited the genocide allegations prompting Trump's threatened intervention.
