An American missionary in Nigeria, operating in the Middle Belt region, has denied claims by the Nigerian government that he has been deported.
The denial came shortly after news of his alleged deportation was shared during a TVC interview by Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central).
In a swift reaction, Babir took to his Facebook page to inform his followers that the government’s claims were false. He wrote:
”Let it be known that if Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, made this statement, they are directly lying to the Nigerian and international community. I have never heard of this person, nor had a conversation with them. In fact, I just spoke to the US Embassy, which denies such a claim. Any deportation of a USA citizen must go through the embassy, and no such move was made.”
He continued, “If this claim was truly made, let it also expose the integrity of such a government. I stand for truth. As a Christian, I have no choice. ‘Do good and seek justice’ (Isaiah 1:17).”
Shortly after that rebuttal, he posted again on his wall, stating:
”LET IT BE KNOWN: The Nigerian government is boldly lying to the international and Nigerian community. Not one government official spoke to me—especially this one, whom I never heard of until a few minutes ago. I had a round-trip flight from March 11 to April 1st, which has been publicly posted. Why is the Nigerian government openly lying?”
It remains unclear whether he is currently still in the country or abroad. Our correspondent has yet to receive a response to a message sent to him via his Facebook page, though many of his followers expressed shock regarding the deportation claims.
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