Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to publicly apologise to Nigeria for his recent comments alleging “Christian genocide” in the country remarks that have stirred global controversy and diplomatic concern.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Senator Jibrin described Trump’s statement as “irresponsible, divisive, and deeply disrespectful to a sovereign nation.” He said the former U.S. president’s remarks, which implied that the Nigerian government was enabling attacks on Christians, were not only false but capable of inciting religious tension in an already delicate national context.
According to Jibrin, “Nigeria remains a multi-religious nation where Muslims and Christians coexist peacefully across communities. Any statement that seeks to distort this reality or incite division is unacceptable. Mr. Trump owes Nigeria an apology.”
He further explained that the National Assembly is united in defending Nigeria’s image and sovereignty and will continue to work with international partners to address issues of insecurity through collaboration and intelligence sharing, rather than inflammatory rhetoric.
Trump’s statement which hinted at possible U.S. military intervention if the Nigerian government failed to “protect Christians” has drawn widespread condemnation from lawmakers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations both in Nigeria and abroad. Many described the comments as reckless and unbecoming of a former head of state.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, reaffirmed that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits persecution on the basis of faith. Tuggar urged all stakeholders to refrain from narratives that could threaten national unity or international relations.
Senator Jibrin emphasised that such remarks must not go unchallenged. “We are a proud nation with democratic values. Nigeria has always valued its friendship with the United States, but mutual respect must guide that relationship,” he said.
The Senate has also scheduled a special session to deliberate on the broader implications of Trump’s remarks and to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.
