The 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 the killing of Christians.
Jibrin’s condemnation comes alongside statements from the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), both of which denounced Trump’s comments as unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Speaking in a viral video that circulated on Friday, Jibrin said:
“For the President of the United States to come and say Nigeria is a disgraced country and threaten military action is unacceptable. He should retract his statement and apologise to Nigeria.”
The Deputy Senate President described Trump’s threats as a breach of international law and diplomatic protocol, emphasising that any grievances should be addressed through proper channels such as the United Nations.
“We are not intimidated. If Trump were here, I would tell him he is violating international law and taking the wrong approach,” Jibrin added.
The NEF, through its spokesperson Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, also criticised the threat, describing it as part of a “dangerous pattern of foreign interference.” Jiddere noted that the United States has historically caused instability in countries like Iraq, Libya, Sudan, and Afghanistan under the guise of intervention. He stressed that Nigeria is fully capable of addressing its internal challenges and rejected allegations of genocide against Christians as false narratives aimed at destabilisation.
MACBAN’s National President, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, condemned the resolution by the US House of Representatives that linked the association to terrorism and religious extremism. He described the claims as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that MACBAN is a legitimate, law-abiding organisation representing pastoralists across Nigeria.
The Arewa Youth Consultative Council (AYCC) also weighed in, suggesting that Trump’s threats are motivated by economic interests rather than concerns about religious freedom. AYCC National President Zaid Ayuba Ayuba noted that Nigeria’s natural resources and growing international partnerships may be driving the US stance, rather than genuine concern for religious persecution.
Ayuba warned that any military intervention could destabilise the region and harm innocent Nigerians, calling on the Federal Government to respond swiftly through diplomatic channels, including former heads of state and experienced diplomats.
