American television host Tony Perkins has claimed he turned down a request from Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, to appear on his programme, alleging it was an attempt to downplay reports of violence against Christians in the country.
Perkins made the remarks during an episode of Washington Watch while speaking with U.S. lawmaker Chris Smith.
In a video circulating online, the broadcaster said the First Lady had sought to engage him on issues of religious freedom in Nigeria.
According to him, he declined the meeting, stating he would not provide a platform that could be used to “cover up” what he described as the killing of innocent Christians.
He alleged that the current administration was attempting to suppress concerns about attacks on Christian communities, insisting he would not support any narrative that misrepresents the situation.
The Federal Government has repeatedly denied claims of religious genocide, maintaining that insecurity in Nigeria affects citizens across different faiths and regions.
However, some U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups continue to express concern over attacks in parts of the country, arguing that Christian communities have been disproportionately targeted.
