President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his government was engaging with the world diplomatically following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened military action against terror groups in Nigeria over the alleged mass killing of Christians.
This was a coalition of northern elders that rejected calls by some U.S. right-wing lawmakers to ban Sharia law in the country.
“We assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country,” Tinubu said at Thursday’s meeting held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, the first since July.
Tinubu stated that Nigeria remains on a steady growth trajectory, with more promise of stability and prosperity as economic reforms continue to yield results and gain national and international acceptance.
On the current state of the economy and the relationship between Nigeria and the United States, President Tinubu assured, “The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with partners.
The success of the $2.3bn eurobond that was oversubscribed by 400 per cent is the most assuring. So, the task ahead is immense; we are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country.”
“The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria,” he further stated.
Tinubu’s remarks come just days after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action against terror groups in Nigeria over the alleged mass killing of Christians.
Trump, in a post on his social media platform on Friday, announced that he was labelling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Hours later, he said he had instructed congressional Republicans to “immediately look into this matter” and report back to him.
On Saturday, Trump said he had ordered the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria over the country’s alleged killing of Christians.
Speaking on Thursday, Tinubu called Ministers and other officials to ensure consistency in communication and avoid discordant messaging.
Nigeria calm, not in panic mode—FG
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who addressed State House correspondents after the Council meeting, said the Federal Government was calm and would not panic over Trump’s threats.
Idris said the government had opened formal diplomatic channels with the U.S. to address the matter.
He also clarified that Nigeria is responding responsibly and strategically, in line with its constitutional obligation to protect all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“But there is no panic mode here. We are responding responsibly, steadily, and in the interest of our country, also taking into account the concerns both from within and outside this country of what the situation in this,” Idris told journalists at the Aso Rock Villa.
Responding to whether the U.S. position is affecting governance at home, the Information Minister said discussions have commenced with American officials through appropriate diplomatic channels.
He[b] insisted that Nigeria prefers a diplomatic resolution rather than escalating rhetoric.
“Have we had any discussions with the U.S.? Yes. Channels have been opened. We prefer that this situation be solved diplomatically,” he said.
“Let me say that the government of Nigeria is really very stable.
“The President is calm. Like we have said, he’s calm. The Federal Executive Council members are indeed very calm.[/b]
“That is not to discountenance the issue. We are not saying that,” he noted.
Idris insisted the Tinubu administration is not indifferent to the challenges.
“Are there security issues in the country? Yes. Are lives being lost? Yes. But is the government responding? Absolutely,” he said, adding, “We are confronting these problems with responsibility and balance.”
The Minister reiterated that Nigeria remains a pluralistic society where freedom of religion is constitutionally protected.
“But let me say for the umpteenth time, Nigeria is a country that has tolerance for religion. So whatever you practice, whatever is your faith, our Constitution guarantees that you are free to practice that. The Nigerian government will continue to impress on the security agencies to maintain law and order wherever they are. We’re also going to do more so that whatever concerns there are, the government of Nigeria will take care of those concerns,” he said.
The Tinubu administration, he said, remains open to partnerships with the international community and regional actors in tackling terrorism and extremist violence, which he noted are not unique to Nigeria.
https://punchng.com/trump-threats-tinubu-rallies-foreign-allies-as-north-rejects-sharia-ban/
He[b] insisted that Nigeria prefers a diplomatic resolution rather than escalating rhetoric.
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