Dear Donald J. Trump,
President of the United States of America,
Love you or hate you, one thing remains clear: you are a man of your word.
When you speak, the world listens. When you take a stand, it sends a message.
I write today not to debate politics, but to express appreciation. Even if it was only one decisive strike, it demonstrated something the world has not seen enough of clarity of conviction and courage to act. You showed that when you speak, you are willing to stand by your words. As a Christian priest, I acknowledge that.
In a world where many leaders avoid even mentioning Christianity, it is striking that a man once condemned, criticized, and even labeled an “antichrist” during his first term would be among the few willing to speak openly about defending Christians. If only two or three global leaders had such moral courage, the radicalization of violent extremist groups and the slaughter of innocent people might have been greatly reduced.
A Word to the Nigerian Government
Now to my own country, Nigeria.
It is deeply troubling and frankly shameful that Nigeria has reached a point where external intervention appears to awaken our conscience. Since 2015, Nigerians Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers alike have been killed in numbers never witnessed before. Entire communities have been destroyed. Lives have been treated as statistics.
To now hear claims of “collaboration” is ironic. Still, I thank God that at least there is an admission that peace matters and that insecurity must be confronted.
Let me state this clearly and without apology:
The Islamization of Nigeria is not possible.
Christianity has come to stay. Islam has come to stay. Traditional religions have a right to exist. Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, and every citizen has the right to live freely and worship according to conscience.
If Islam is a religion of peace as many rightly say then terrorism must never be defended in its name. No religion has the right to force itself on others through violence. Must everyone become Muslim? The answer is no. Must anyone be killed for their faith? Again, no.
The criminals terrorizing our land must be recognized plainly for what they are:
enemies of the state.
A Call for Accountability
I am deeply disturbed when I see some voices especially religious voices condemning actions taken against terrorists while remaining silent about the thousands of innocent lives lost. That is morally troubling.
When a public figure like Shehu Gumi repeatedly speaks in ways that appear to excuse, rationalize, or minimize terror, questions will naturally arise. In a nation bleeding from insecurity, no one should be above scrutiny. If statements or actions contribute directly or indirectly to violence or the loss of life, then investigation is not persecution; it is responsibility.
Nigeria owes it to her citizens to ask hard questions, to interrogate narratives that embolden violence, and to ensure that no individual, cleric or otherwise, shields terror under the cloak of religion.
Conclusion
This is not a call for hatred.
This is not a call for religious war.
This is a call for truth, courage, accountability, and justice.
Nigeria can still rise. Peace can still reign. But only if we are honest about the problem and united against terrorregardless of tribe or religion.
Thank you.
And may peace prevail.
Ven. Dr. David Chimezie Nwanekpe
