Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), on Monday, appealed to United States President Donald Trump to assist Nigeria in tackling insecurity rather than making inflammatory remarks that could endanger the nation’s unity.
Speaking in a telephone interview from London, Abubakar cautioned that recent comments attributed to the U.S. president could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s stability and cohesion.
Last Friday, Trump announced that he had redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” over alleged persecution of Christians. He also warned the Nigerian government to “move fast” or risk the suspension of all U.S. aid and possible military action against what he described as “Islamic terrorists attacking our cherished Christians.”
In response, the Nigerian presidency confirmed that President Bola Tinubu and Trump are expected to meet soon to discuss the allegations.
Abubakar, however, warned that such threats could undermine Nigeria’s internal unity and diplomatic standing.
“Trump’s comments pose a grave threat to the country’s hard-won unity,” he said. “Unity, wisdom, and diplomacy must take precedence over division and pride at this critical moment.”
The former military ruler urged Nigerians to close ranks, regardless of ethnic or religious differences, in defense of the nation’s sovereignty.
He further called for a “strategic and diplomatic engagement” with the U.S. president to de-escalate tensions and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
