Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has strongly criticised United States President Donald Trump for describing Nigeria as a disgraced country and threatening military action over alleged persecution of Christians.
Reacting to Trump’s remarks during a White House briefing, Jibrin described the comments as un-American and a violation of international law. He said it was unacceptable for the US president to threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty and demanded that he retract the statement and apologise.
Jibrin maintained that such threats breached diplomatic decorum and ignored established global procedures. He explained that if the US had any issue with Nigeria, it should go through the United Nations and follow due process rather than act unilaterally.
The Deputy Senate President stressed that Nigeria would not be intimidated by foreign powers, adding that the American leader’s utterances were against the principles of international law.
Northern Elders, Miyetti Allah Join in Condemnation
The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) also condemned Trump’s statement.
NEF spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, warned against external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and accused the US of double standards. He said Nigeria was not an appendage of America and that Washington’s interest in Nigeria was driven by economic motives, not humanitarian concern.
Similarly, MACBAN President, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, dismissed allegations linking the group to terrorism as baseless and malicious. He said the association was law-abiding and represented the interests of pastoralists across the country.
Arewa Youths Accuse US of Economic Motives
The Arewa Youth Consultative Council (AYCC) also criticised Trump’s comments, insisting that the US threat was not about religion but about Nigeria’s natural resources.
AYCC National President, Zaid Ayuba Ayuba, said America’s concern was driven by economic interests rather than genuine human rights advocacy. He called on the Federal Government to respond swiftly through diplomatic channels and involve former heads of state and seasoned diplomats.
He warned that any US military intervention would only worsen Nigeria’s situation and inflict unnecessary suffering on innocent citizens.
