FG Accuses U.S. of ‘Smear Campaign’ Against Nigeria

FG Accuses U.S. of ‘Smear Campaign’ Against Nigeria

 

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has accused the United States Mission of promoting what it described as a “relentless smear campaign” against the country, warning that such actions are eroding decades of bilateral goodwill and breaching international diplomatic protocols.

 

The accusation follows the U.S. Mission’s circulation of a report originally published by The Africa Report, a Paris-based outlet, which criticized Nigerian political leaders for “splurging state resources on buildings while citizens went hungry.”

 

The report singled out Oyo and Gombe states for constructing new government lodges, describing them as symbols of excess and misplaced priorities.

 

However, senior Nigerian government officials have pushed back, calling the report both inaccurate and malicious. “The governors they targeted are two of the most prudent leaders in Nigeria,” a top government source told journalists. “Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo is widely acknowledged for his fiscal discipline and service delivery, while Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe has prioritized healthcare, infrastructure, and prompt salary payments.”

 

According to sources within the administration, the negative spotlight may stem from a personal grudge involving the publisher of The Africa Report, who allegedly sought financial backing from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for a sponsored event, the “Africa Roundtable” in Abidjan. After the request was turned down, relations reportedly soured, leading to what officials describe as targeted media attacks now being amplified by the U.S. Mission.

 

“This goes beyond journalism,” one senior diplomat said. “By endorsing and circulating such reports, the U.S. Mission is in direct violation of Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which prohibits interference in the internal affairs of a host nation.”

 

The government’s sharp response comes amid broader tensions in Nigeria-U.S. relations. Officials recalled past misjudgments by Washington, including a pre-2000 prediction that Nigeria would disintegrate, and the recent U.S. travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid 18 Nigerian states due to security concerns and poor healthcare access.

 

Local analysts have described the advisory as “alarmist,” pointing out that while challenges exist, many Nigerian cities such as Lagos and Abuja remain safer than several U.S. urban areas struggling with gun violence and crime.

 

“Close to 47,000 Americans are projected to die from gun violence this year,” one Nigerian analyst noted. “Yet the U.S. issues sweeping advisories about Nigeria, ignoring the fact that many of our regions are far more stable than some American cities. It’s a skewed lens.”

 

Despite the growing unease, Nigerian officials maintained that they remain committed to the longstanding partnership with the United States.

 

“We acknowledge and appreciate decades of American support,” a presidential aide said. “But friendship must be based on mutual respect. Our sovereignty and dignity are not negotiable.”