A former Presidential Adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to address Nigerians following the recent threat by former United States President Donald Trump to launch a military invasion against Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed described the president’s silence on the matter as disturbing, stressing that Tinubu ought to have personally spoken to reassure the nation.
He wrote, “If President Tinubu truly has capable advisers and understands the weight of his office, he should have spoken to Nigerians by now. This is not the time for ministers or aides to issue statements. The President himself should reassure the country, clarify our position, and outline the steps his administration intends to take. Our silence makes us appear weak and without direction.”
Baba-Ahmed also warned against any consideration by Tinubu to travel to the United States for talks with Trump, describing such an idea as “ill-advised.”
“At this critical moment, Tinubu should not even think of going to America to meet Trump. It would only worsen Nigeria’s image — like receiving a slap and smiling in return,” he remarked.
He urged the president to take prompt and decisive steps to restore public confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic front.
“If Tinubu truly listens to those who care about this country, he must act immediately — appoint ambassadors, rebuild Nigeria’s diplomatic presence, and address the nation directly,” he said.
Trump had earlier threatened to deploy U.S. military forces to Nigeria if what he called “genocide against Christians” continued in the country — a claim the Nigerian government has dismissed as baseless.
Reacting to the development, China declared its support for Nigeria, saying it opposed any foreign interference under the guise of religion or human rights.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference in Beijing.
Ning’s remarks came in response to questions about Trump’s threat of possible military action in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government on Wednesday rejected Nigeria’s inclusion on the U.S. list of countries violating religious freedom, describing it as “inaccurate data and misrepresentation” of the nation’s security realities.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, clarified that Nigeria’s challenges were rooted in terrorism rather than religious persecution, noting that both Christians and Muslims had been victims of extremist violence.
“The government disputes claims of targeted religious persecution. Since 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has neutralised over 13,500 militants and rescued more than 11,000 hostages. Nigeria remains open to U.S. collaboration on counterterrorism while emphasising mutual respect for sovereignty,” he said.
He added that the government remained committed to protecting all citizens regardless of faith.
On Wednesday evening, Trump reiterated his position, saying, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening there, and in numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian Population around the World!”
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