Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has issued a firm and strongly worded response to former United States President Donald Trump following the latter’s controversial comments about Nigeria. Jibrin condemned Trump’s remarks as “unacceptable,” insisting that the former U.S. leader owes Nigerians a public apology for his statements.
In a viral video circulating on Friday, Jibrin criticised both the tone and the substance of Trump’s comments, describing them as disrespectful, inflammatory, and inconsistent with international diplomatic standards. He stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation that must not be intimidated or belittled by any foreign power, regardless of perceived global influence.
According to Jibrin, the United States should handle issues involving other nations with professionalism and adherence to international law. He emphasized that any serious concerns about Nigeria should be channelled through proper diplomatic frameworks and global institutions.
‘Nigeria Deserves Respect’
Jibrin stated: “For the President of the United States to come and say, ‘You are doing this, we are going to attack you. And Nigeria is a disgraced country,’ it is quite unacceptable.”
He added, “He should understand, retract that statement, and apologise to Nigerians. It is against international law. Whatever he feels about our country, he should follow the legal route through the United Nations.”
Expressing disbelief that such a statement could come from a former American leader, Jibrin said Nigeria would not be intimidated by rhetoric. “We are not scared of Trump. If he were here, I would tell him to his face that he has gone against international law,” he added.
Trump Alleges Attacks on Christians
Trump had, on Wednesday, released a video through the White House in which he claimed that Christianity was facing severe threats in Nigeria, alleging that radical Islamists were responsible for widespread killings of Christians in the country.
He announced that the United States had designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” a designation under U.S. law that could pave the way for sanctions or other forms of intervention in cases of religious persecution.
Trump declared: “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands and thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this man’s slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a country of particular concern. That’s a legal definition.”
He added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” directing Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the matter with urgency.
Trump further stated that America “stands ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”
The video has sparked heated reactions across Nigeria, with political leaders, religious bodies, and citizens debating Trump’s claims and Jibrin’s response. Many Nigerians expressed concern over the diplomatic implications of Trump’s statements, while others questioned the accuracy of his claims.