Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider cutting diplomatic relations with the United States if U.S. President Donald Trump does not withdraw his recent threat of possible military action against Nigeria.
Trump had reportedly accused the Nigerian government of allowing widespread religious persecution, and suggested the U.S. could respond with force if the situation continued.
In a post on Facebook, Sheikh Gumi described the remarks as an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty and urged the federal government to take strong diplomatic action.
“For Trump to threaten a sovereign country with military attack is a profound disrespect to our authority,” Gumi wrote. “President Tinubu should summon the U.S. ambassador and demand a retraction. If they refuse, Nigeria should sever diplomatic ties with that irresponsible regime.”
Gumi also said Nigeria should begin exploring alternative economic and military partnerships outside the U.S.
“There are many other options for our economic expansion and military alliances,” he added.
The comments come as several Nigerian political and civil groups continue to react strongly to Trump’s remarks, with some accusing the U.S. leader of making inflammatory claims against the country.