Veteran Nollywood actor and political commentator, Kenneth Okonkwo, has condemned the Federal Government’s response to the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom violations, describing the reaction as “shameful” and evidence of leadership failure.
Speaking on Niger Unfiltered, Okonkwo said the government’s official response — which claimed that it is not only Christians being killed, but also Muslims and traditional worshippers — amounted to an embarrassing admission that the state has failed to protect its own citizens.
“This is where I am embarrassed. Instead of saying people are safe, the government is defending itself by saying everybody is being killed. What a shame,” he said.
Okonkwo explained that the United States relies on the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to categorize countries where severe violations occur, a status which allows Washington to impose diplomatic or economic sanctions. He warned that Nigeria’s international image and partnerships could be affected if the government does not demonstrate credible action on insecurity.
He noted that communities in states such as Benue and Plateau have repeatedly raised the alarm over violent attacks aimed at displacing indigenous populations. According to him, such patterns cannot be dismissed lightly, and the government should be more concerned with stopping the killings than arguing semantics.
Okonkwo further faulted President Bola Tinubu’s handling of diplomacy, particularly what he described as a reactionary style of responding to global matters. He argued that a country of Nigeria’s size and influence should not be conducting foreign policy through public exchanges and social media statements.
“Diplomacy is strategic. A nation of 200 million people needs strong ambassadors, measured negotiation and wisdom, not emotional replies,” he said.
On security, Okonkwo renewed his call for the establishment of state police to enable local authorities respond more effectively to violence. He cited the example of Anambra State under Governor Charles Soludo, where coordinated local security operations reportedly dismantled multiple criminal camps and reduced attacks.
He criticized the Federal Government’s spending priorities, saying resources that could improve security are being diverted to questionable contracts.
“If even a fraction of the trillions spent on questionable contracts were directed to security, Nigeria would not be in this situation,” Okonkwo stated.
Reflecting on his political journey, Okonkwo said his loyalty remains to the Nigerian people, not political parties or personalities. A former presidential campaign spokesperson in the 2023 elections, he now serves in the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He said he will continue to support leaders with integrity and competence as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
“My loyalty is to the people, to truth, and to the future of this country,” he said.
Okonkwo used the interview to thank Nigerians for their support on his birthday, expressing appreciation for the public’s recognition of his activism, career and political advocacy. He insisted that Nigeria has the human and material resources to become a great nation, but only if leadership is guided by sincerity, courage and accountability.
