The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for describing Nigeria as a “disgraced country” and threatening potential military action over the alleged killings of Christians.
Jibrin labeled Trump’s comments as “un-American” and a breach of international law, calling for respect on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Similarly, the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) condemned what it called a “dangerous pattern of foreign interference”, while the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) expressed outrage over attempts to associate the group with terrorism and religious extremism.
Trump’s remarks, made during a recent White House briefing, included a warning that the U.S. might “take decisive action” if attacks on Christians continued in the country.
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Speaking in a viral video which circulated on Friday, the Deputy Senate President said, “But for now, for the president of the United States to come in and say, ‘Oh, you are doing this and we are going to attack you, and Nigeria is a disgraced country’, this is quite unacceptable.”
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“We feel that he should understand, then retract that statement and apologise to Nigeria.”
He stated that the American leader’s utterances breached diplomatic decorum and contravened established international law.
“It’s against international law. Whatever you feel about our country, follow the legal route. Go to the United Nations, get a resolution there, and then anything can come later. To bypass that route is quite unacceptable. It’s un-American,” he stated.
Jibrin, who spoke passionately before a gathering that cheered him, said Nigeria would not be intimidated by Trump’s threats.
“We are not scared to say the truth. We are not scared of telling Trump the truth. If he were here, I would tell him he has gone against international law and that the route he’s taking is not the best one to take,” he added.
