UK Lawmakers Urge Keir Starmer to Confront Bola Tinubu Over Killings of Christians Ahead of Historic State Visit
British lawmakers have called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to raise concerns with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the killing of Christians when the Nigerian leader arrives in the United Kingdom for a state visit, PulseNets learned.
Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, is scheduled to be received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. PulseNets obtained that the royal hosts are expected to hold a state banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation during the visit.
The Nigerian leader is also expected to proceed to 10 Downing Street on Thursday for bilateral discussions with Starmer. Officials familiar with the arrangements told PulseNets the trip would represent the first state visit by a Nigerian president to the United Kingdom in 37 years.
Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB) have reportedly written to the UK Development Minister, Jenny Chapman, also known as Baroness Chapman of Darlington, urging the British government to raise concerns about the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
The request follows increasing international attention over attacks on Christians in parts of Nigeria, particularly violence attributed to armed extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.
PulseNets learnt that lawmakers referenced a recent case in which at least 163 Christian worshippers were abducted earlier this year in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, describing it as part of a broader pattern of kidnappings and violence affecting Christian communities.
Chairman of the parliamentary group, Jim Shannon, stressed that Nigerian authorities must respond decisively to such incidents.
“Nigeria must take concrete steps to prevent the harassment, persecution and killing of Christians, while ensuring that perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted.”
The parliamentary group, which comprises about 209 Members of Parliament and peers, also raised concerns that authorities in Nigeria have not demonstrated sufficient urgency in responding to the attacks, PulseNets reported.
Lawmakers further requested updates from the UK government on the situation of Leah Sharibu, one of the 110 schoolgirls abducted in 2018 who, according to reports obtained by PulseNets, remains in captivity after declining to renounce her Christian faith.
APPG FoRB also urged Starmer to ensure that human rights considerations remain a central element in future diplomatic, security, and trade relations between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Also Read: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer backs ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu
Meanwhile, Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is expected to host Oluremi Tinubu at Lambeth Palace on Thursday. Sources familiar with the programme told PulseNets that discussions during the meeting may also touch on human rights concerns.
During the engagement, the Nigerian First Lady, who is also a Christian pastor, will attend a prayer service and is expected to deliver a sermon. PulseNets also learnt that she will meet representatives of the Church of England alongside faith based organisations operating in Nigeria, including Christian Aid, during a reception scheduled to hold at Lambeth Palace.
