The former Southeast Presidential Campaign Spokesman and current Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly (FOF-MEHA), Hon. Josef Onoh, has dismissed claims that America’s concern over religious killings in Nigeria constitutes an attack on the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement made available to journalists, Onoh said Nigeria’s relationship with the United States has been one of consistent partnership since the return to democracy in 1999, particularly in areas of security and development.
“Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the United States has been a steadfast partner in our nation’s security and development, channeling over $7.8 billion in foreign aid over the past decade alone—much of it dedicated to countering terrorism threats like Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa Province,” Onoh stated.
He detailed America’s support to Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts, including $1.8 million in Foreign Military Financing (FY 2016–2020) for maritime security and professionalization, over $8 million in Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership support (FY 2019–2023), and more than $2.6 billion in humanitarian aid since 2015 to address conflict-driven crises.
According to him, these investments, which surged from under $7 million in 1998 to $109 million by 2001, demonstrate “a deep commitment to stabilizing Africa’s largest economy and protecting shared democratic values.”
However, Onoh lamented that despite these generous investments, the war against terrorism has recorded “heartbreakingly little progress.”
“Funds meant for intelligence-sharing, military training, and equipment have been eroded by systemic corruption, with successive administrations issuing little beyond sensational press releases,” he said.
Citing several high-profile corruption cases, Onoh referenced the alleged diversion of billions of dollars by former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, the $55 million embezzled by ex-Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and the $5.7 billion graft scandal involving former Inspector General of Police Tafa Balogun.
He noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has investigated 58 former governors accused of looting over N2.187 trillion since 1999, excluding worldwide seized assets—among them Yahaya Bello’s N80 billion money laundering case and Godwin Emefiele’s $4.5 billion fraud allegations.
Onoh added that even past military excesses, like the $458 million Sani Abacha forfeiture, highlight the same pattern of misappropriation that continues to weaken Nigeria’s defense capacity.
He criticized politicians who now claim that U.S. criticism threatens national sovereignty, describing them as hypocrites.
“These are the same individuals who once shouted ‘Christian genocide’ on social media, crying out against targeted killings of believers. Today, as beneficiaries of the system, they sing a different tune, drunk on political denial,” he remarked.
Onoh referenced reports from the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law and Open Doors’ World Watch List, which indicate that over 100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009, with 18,000 churches burned and 7,000 more deaths recorded in 2025 alone.
Independent monitors such as ACLED also confirm 20,409 civilian deaths from 11,862 attacks between 2020 and September 2025, many explicitly targeting Christians.
“There is no corner of northern Nigeria where armed Christian militias are slaughtering Muslims, burning mosques, or raping women; the reverse, tragically, defines the landscape,” Onoh asserted.
He added that if such violence were reversed, “the global Muslim community would have risen in unified outrage,” unlike the muted response to the ongoing Christian persecution in Nigeria.
Onoh also condemned what he called the “cowardly silence” of religious leaders who, instead of speaking against the killings, have “chosen to chase offerings and political favors.”
“Come election season, these prophets will conjure visions laced with benefits for their patrons. Their silence today will be their judgment tomorrow,” he warned.
Turning to domestic politics, Onoh faulted some presidential appointees for lacking vision and fostering ethnic divisions, particularly against the Igbos and those who genuinely supported President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 victory.
“These individuals specialize in attacking Peter Obi but contribute nothing meaningful to governance. They are blinded by hatred and ambition,” he said.
Onoh concluded that no amount of political denial or lobbying could alter the reality of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
“Christians are being systematically killed. The United States seeks no invasion, covets no oil, and threatens no sovereignty. It demands only accountability — and only terrorists need fear that,” he stressed.
He added that when aid meant to save lives is stolen, “justice isn’t aggression — it’s the bare minimum we owe our people,” warning that corruption and denial “are not the Renewed Hope Nigerians were promised.”
