A Nigerian civil society group has appealed to former US President Donald Trump to engage Nigeria with dialogue and partnership rather than threats, following his recent comments suggesting renewed US action over the country’s security situation.
The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by its Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie.
Mr Omoarelojie said Trump’s remarks about possibly redesignating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and hinting at military involvement were “unhelpful and provocative.”
According to HAI, insecurity in Nigeria is a complex issue that cuts across religion, ethnicity, and region not a one-sided persecution of any group.
“This crisis affects all Nigerians,” the statement read. “Christians, Muslims, and others have been victims of terrorism and violence. What the nation needs now is support, not condemnation.”
The group urged the United States and other global partners to collaborate with Nigeria on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and development projects aimed at addressing the root causes of extremism.
It also appealed to international bodies such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and the European Union to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria, noting that the country has been at the forefront of peacekeeping efforts across Africa.
“Nigeria deserves respect and understanding,” HAI said. “True friends should stand with us, not threaten us.”