- Nigeria Will Never Bow to Intimidation – Northern Elders Tell Trump.
- Northern and religious groups reject U.S. interference over Sharia law.
- China, ECOWAS back Nigeria’s sovereignty and counterterrorism efforts.
President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria is engaging diplomatically with the United States and the global community following recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened military action against terror groups in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Thursday in Abuja, shortly after swearing in two new ministers, Dr Bernard Doro and Dr Kingsley Udeh (SAN), Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain calm and united, assuring that his administration will defeat terrorism and safeguard every citizen.
“We assure all Nigerians that we will defeat terrorism in this country,” the President said. He noted that Nigeria’s economy is on a path of steady growth, with reforms yielding positive results both nationally and internationally.
On the diplomatic row with the U.S., Tinubu stated, “Despite the political headwinds and fears among our people, we are engaging the world diplomatically. The success of the $2.3 billion Eurobond, oversubscribed by 400 percent, shows global confidence in our direction.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, later told reporters that the Federal Government remains calm and is handling the situation through proper diplomatic channels. “We are not in panic mode. Nigeria is responding responsibly and strategically,” he said, adding that the country’s priority is protecting all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Meanwhile, northern groups have condemned Trump’s comments and the push by some U.S. lawmakers to sanction Nigeria or abolish Sharia law in northern states. The Northern Elders Forum described Trump’s threat as “arrogant and baseless,” while the Coalition of Northern Groups said the move was an assault on Islam and would not be accepted.
The Forum’s spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, argued that both Christians and Muslims face similar security challenges and accused the U.S. of using religion as a pretext to interfere in Nigeria’s affairs due to its growing partnership with China.
In the South-West, the League of Imams and Alfas urged the United States to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, warning against “external interference that could disrupt internal peace efforts.”
On its part, the Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship called on the Federal Government to intensify the fight against terrorism and ensure justice for victims, while dismissing claims of a Christian genocide.
Civil society organisations also took to the streets in Lagos to protest Trump’s remarks, describing them as reckless and harmful to Nigeria’s image.
In a related development, China reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and efforts to combat terrorism. Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai said Beijing opposes any foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and pledged continued cooperation on security and development.
The Federal Government has also begun a nationwide overhaul of police training institutions. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who chairs the presidential committee overseeing the reform, said the initiative aims to restore professionalism and integrity in Nigeria’s security system.
Military leaders also assured citizens of reforms. Air Marshal Sunday Aneke vowed that the Air Force will prioritise civilian safety in its operations, while Army Chief Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu pledged improved welfare for troops.
At the regional level, ECOWAS and Islamic leaders convened in Abuja to discuss new non-violent strategies for countering terrorism, emphasising peacebuilding, education, and deradicalisation.
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