Dare Babalola
A former Presidential Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has requested that the president address the nation in light of the recent military threat made by US President Donald Trump against Nigeria.
Baba-Ahmed said this on Thursday in a post he shared on his Facebook page.
He said it was troubling that the president had yet to personally address Nigerians regarding the development, warning that the president’s silence sends a troubling message about Nigeria’s leadership.
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 advised President Tinubu against traveling to the US to meet with Trump, saying it would damage Nigeria’s image.
“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.
Baba-Ahmed, therefore, urged the president to act decisively.
“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.
Recall that Trump had threatened to deploy American military forces to Nigeria if the alleged genocide against Christians was not stopped, but the Bola Tinubu government refuted the claim in its entirety.
Meanwhile, China on Tuesday declared its support for Nigeria, saying it opposes 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 made the remarks in response to questions about Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria.
While the Federal Government on Wednesday rejected its inclusion on the U.S. list of countries violating religious freedom, insisting that such a designation stems from “inaccurate data and misrepresentation” of the nation’s security challenges.
Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, clarified that Nigeria faces terrorism, not religious persecution, and that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from 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.
The minister added that Nigeria continues to prioritise national security and “the protection of all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.”
