Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has criticized US President Donald Trump for his recent comments on defending Christians in Nigeria, labeling the statement as hypocritical. In a social media post, Shehu pointed out that Trump has failed to protect Christians in his own country, where gun violence is a significant issue, claiming hundreds of lives every week.
Shehu noted that the US experiences a high rate of gun violence, with documented data showing that 125 people are killed daily, and 327 are shot, resulting in 117 deaths and 210 injuries. He cited the Everytown Research Journal, which reports that an average of 45,738 people are killed by gun violence in the US every year, with the majority being Christians killed by fellow citizens, not terrorists.
The commentator argued that Trump’s statement on defending Nigerian Christians is at odds with his inability to address the gun violence issue in his own country. Shehu quoted the Bible, saying “Physicians, heal thyself,” implying that Trump should focus on solving problems in the US before intervening in Nigeria.
Shehu also suggested that Trump has been misled by a one-sided narrative about Nigeria, which may be driven by interests in accessing the country’s mineral resources. He expressed concern that Trump’s actions could lead to the loss of innocent lives in Nigeria.
The criticism comes as the US has been vocal about promoting religious freedom and protecting Christians worldwide. However, Shehu’s comments highlight the need for the US to address its own domestic issues, such as gun violence, before intervening in international affairs. The situation underscores the complexities of international relations and the importance of understanding the nuances of different countries’ internal issues.
