Former Presidential Adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally address Nigerians following the recent threat by former U.S. President Donald Trump to authorise military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed criticised the president’s continued silence on the matter, warning that it projects an image of weak leadership.
“If President Tinubu truly has capable advisers and understands the weight of his office, he should have spoken to Nigerians by now. This is not the time for ministers or aides to issue statements. The President himself should reassure the country, clarify our position, and outline the steps his administration intends to take. Our silence makes us appear weak and without direction,” Baba-Ahmed wrote.
The former aide, who served as Chief of Staff to ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, also cautioned the president against travelling to the United States to meet Trump, describing such an action as diplomatically unwise.
“At this critical moment, Tinubu should not even think of going to America to meet Trump. It would only worsen Nigeria’s image, like receiving a slap and smiling in return,” he remarked.
Baba-Ahmed urged the Federal Government to act decisively by rebuilding Nigeria’s diplomatic presence abroad and appointing ambassadors capable of defending the country’s interests.
“If Tinubu truly listens to those who care about this country, he must act immediately, appoint ambassadors, rebuild Nigeria’s diplomatic presence, and address the nation directly,” he added.
His comments follow Trump’s controversial statement earlier in the week, in which the former U.S. leader claimed he would consider deploying American forces to Nigeria if the “genocide against Christians” was not stopped.
The Nigerian Government has rejected the claims, insisting that the allegations are baseless and politically motivated.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris clarified on Wednesday that Nigeria faces terrorism, not religious persecution, and that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of extremist violence.
“Since 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has neutralised over 13,500 militants and rescued more than 11,000 hostages,” he said, reaffirming Nigeria’s sovereignty and commitment to national security.
Meanwhile, China has voiced its support for Nigeria, stating that it opposes any foreign interference “under the guise of religion or human rights.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing “firmly rejects” the use of threats or sanctions against sovereign nations.
