- Tinubu Pre-empted Washington’s CPC Action – Presidency
- Onanuga said Tinubu had anticipated potential pressure from Washington and had already taken proactive steps to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and sovereignty
- The President further pledged comprehensive support for the armed forces
The Presidency has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already positioned Nigeria ahead of the unfolding diplomatic storm with the United States following accusations of Christian persecution in the country, Eko Hot Blog reports.
This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Nigeria could face direct military consequences under Washington’s renewed focus on religious freedom. The warning came barely 24 hours after the U.S. designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a classification reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious liberty.
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Responding to the development, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu had anticipated potential pressure from Washington and had already taken proactive steps to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and sovereignty.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) via his handle @aonanuga1956, Onanuga said Tinubu’s recent reorganisation of Nigeria’s military structure and his directive to newly appointed service chiefs demonstrated foresight in the face of emerging international and domestic security challenges.
“President Bola Tinubu was well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America,” Onanuga wrote. “As he told the new service chiefs on Thursday, Nigerians expect results, not excuses.”
Onanuga referenced the President’s remarks during the decoration of the newly confirmed service chiefs, where Tinubu warned against allowing insecurity or new threats to persist.
“Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating,” Tinubu said. “We must not allow these new threats to fester. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head. Nigerians expect results, not excuses. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace.”
The President further pledged comprehensive support for the armed forces, urging them to employ technology and intelligence-led operations to neutralise insurgents and emerging criminal groups.
Trump’s warning suggesting a possible “use of force” against countries accused of religious intolerance has sparked diplomatic unease, with Nigerian officials condemning the remarks as “unwarranted interference” in the nation’s internal affairs.
Abuja has also rejected Washington’s CPC designation, describing it as “inaccurate, unfair, and politically motivated.”
The Tinubu administration maintains that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom, with Muslims and Christians coexisting across regions, while the government continues to combat terrorism and banditry without bias to any faith group.
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