Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari were among the first Nigerian leaders to brief the United States government about alleged killings of Christians during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Lawal said an All Progressives Congress (APC) delegation, which also included former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, had lobbied officials in Washington, D.C., to draw international attention to the security situation in Nigeria at the time.
“Trump might be right, might not be right, but don’t forget, there was a delegation that first went to the United States to tell Obama then that Christians were being slaughtered in Nigeria. It included this man — the president (Tinubu). I saw the picture. Buhari was there. Amaechi was there,” Lawal said.
Criticism of Current Government’s Denial of Insecurity
Lawal expressed dismay that the same political figures who once raised alarm about insecurity now downplay similar challenges under their own administration.
“They went there themselves to say it was happening. But now, when we say it’s happening, they deny it because they are in government,” he lamented.
He stressed that Nigerians are less concerned with political rhetoric and more interested in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.
“Forget about whether there’s genocide or not. What matters is that our security and property are guaranteed. That’s all we want from government,” he added.
The former SGF, a consistent critic of the current administration, urged the government to shift focus from public relations to concrete action in addressing insecurity. He emphasized that citizens expect visible and effective security interventions rather than explanations or blame games.
Lawal’s remarks have reignited debate on Nigeria’s persistent security challenges and the government’s duty to safeguard all citizens, particularly in communities facing recurrent violence and sectarian tensions.
