Rapper Nicki Minaj has voiced strong support for US President Donald Trump’s stance on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Speaking at an event hosted by the US Embassy to the United Nations, Minaj said she wanted to shine a spotlight on “the deadly threat” and went on to thank Trump “for prioritising this issue and for his leadership,” drawing attention from both her fans and political observers.
Trump had recently said Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria and directed 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.”
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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.
Saying she was “very nervous” to speak before the panel, Minaj vowed to keep standing up “in the face of injustice” for anyone anywhere who is being persecuted for their beliefs.
“Sadly, this problem is not only a growing problem in Nigeria, but also in so many other countries around the world,” she said.
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