- Bwala emphasized that Nigeria is an independent nation
- “If there is going to be any military action, it must be in partnership with Nigeria
- Invading a sovereign nation without consent is diplomatically wrong
Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has stated that it would violate diplomatic norms for the United States to launch any military action in Nigeria without the Federal Government’s approval.
Speaking during an interview with the BBC World Service on Monday, Bwala emphasized that Nigeria is an independent nation whose internal security matters must be handled in a way that respects its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that his remarks followed recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who labelled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians.
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Trump had also warned that Nigeria could lose American aid if it failed to address insecurity and even threatened to deploy the “Department of War” to confront terrorist groups targeting Christians.
Bwala described Trump’s remarks as misinterpreted, adding that the situation would likely be clarified when President Tinubu meets with U.S. officials in the coming days.
He expressed appreciation to Trump for previously approving arms sales to Nigeria during his first term, noting that such support strengthened the country’s counterinsurgency efforts.
“We appreciate former President Trump because, during his earlier tenure, he authorized the sale of arms that helped Nigeria in its fight against insurgency. We welcome further collaboration, but it must be based on verified intelligence, not sensational reports or online misinformation,” Bwala said.
The presidential aide dismissed allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, explaining that insecurity affects people of all faiths.
Reacting to Trump’s warning of possible U.S. military involvement, Bwala maintained that any such operation would only be legitimate if it were a joint effort with Nigeria’s approval.
“If there is going to be any military action, it must be in partnership with Nigeria. Invading a sovereign nation without consent is diplomatically wrong, particularly when that nation remains a key ally in global security efforts,” he added.
Bwala further stated that unilateral foreign intervention is only justified when there is proof that a government is complicit in atrocities, stressing that this is not the case in Nigeria.
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