Nicki Minaj calls for protections of Christians in Nigeria at UN event

Rapper Nicki Minaj took up President Donald Trump’s allegations that Christians are persecuted in Nigeria, saying Tuesday at a United Nations event organised by the US that she wants to shine a spotlight on “the deadly threat.” Trump has said Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria and has told the Pentagon to begin preparing for possible military action in the West African nation. Experts and residents say some attacks target Christians, but most emphasise that in the widespread violence that has long plagued the West African nation, everyone is a potential victim, regardless of background or belief.
The Trinidadian-born Minaj thanked Trump for his leadership and for calling for urgent action “to defend Christians in Nigeria, to combat extremism and to bring a stop to violence against those who simply want to exercise their natural right to freedom of religion or belief.” She spoke at a panel at the US mission to the United Nations along with US Ambassador Mike Waltz and faith leaders. The event came after she replied to Trump’s social media post about Nigeria earlier this month, saying, “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion.” Introducing Minaj, Waltz said, “She steps on to this world stage not as a celebrity but as a witness … to spotlight Nigeria’s persecuted church’ to her millions of social media followers. (IANS)