Former Presidential Adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has called on President Bola Tinubu to speak directly to Nigerians about the recent threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy American troops to Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed expressed concern over Tinubu’s silence, describing it as a troubling sign of weak leadership.
“If President Tinubu truly has competent advisers and understands the gravity of his office, he should have addressed Nigerians by now,” he wrote. “This is not the time for aides or ministers to issue statements. The President himself must reassure citizens, clarify our national stance, and outline the government’s next steps. Our silence makes us appear weak and uncertain.”
Baba-Ahmed also warned against any plan by Tinubu to travel to the United States for talks with Trump, calling such a move “ill-advised.”
“At this critical time, Tinubu should not even consider going to America to meet Trump. That would only damage Nigeria’s image — like receiving a slap and smiling in return,” he cautioned.
He urged the president to act swiftly and decisively.
“If Tinubu truly listens to those who care about this country, he must act now — appoint ambassadors, rebuild Nigeria’s diplomatic capacity, and address the nation directly,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that Trump had threatened military intervention in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians — a claim the Nigerian government has strongly denied.
Meanwhile, China has thrown its weight behind Nigeria, opposing any form of external interference.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion or human rights as an excuse to interfere in others’ internal affairs or threaten them with sanctions or force,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry, at a press briefing in Beijing.
On Wednesday, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, rejected the country’s inclusion on the U.S. list of nations accused of violating religious freedom, describing the designation as based on “inaccurate and misleading data.”
He clarified that Nigeria’s security challenges stem from terrorism, not religious persecution, noting that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from extremist violence.
“Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has neutralised over 13,500 militants and rescued more than 11,000 hostages. Nigeria remains open to U.S. collaboration on counterterrorism, but insists on mutual respect for sovereignty,” Idris said.
He added that the government remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of religion.
However, on Wednesday evening, Trump doubled down on his earlier warning, vowing to take direct action if what he described as “Christian persecution” in Nigeria continues.
“Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump declared. “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities occur. We are ready, willing, and able to defend our great Christian population around the world.”
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