A group of prominent Nigerians under the banner of Concerned Nigerian Citizens has called on the government of the United States to withdr...
A group of prominent Nigerians under the banner of Concerned Nigerian Citizens has called on the government of the United States to withdraw all threats directed at Nigeria and instead offer strategic and political support to help the country combat insecurity.
In a statement issued in Kaduna and jointly signed by Dr. Bilkisu Oniyangi, Prof. Usman Yusuf, Dr. Ahmed Shehu, Dr. Aliyu Tilde, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and Barr. Kalli Ghazali, the group condemned recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to relist Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and suggested possible military intervention to protect Christians in the country.
The group described such comments as “unfounded religious bias and disrespect for Nigeria’s sovereignty,” warning that the U.S. posture could deepen divisions among Nigerians and turn the country into “a pawn in global geopolitics.”
“The real tragedy is that Nigerians, and particularly our leaders, are responsible for our current circumstances,” the statement read.
“We have been poorly led while we died and bled in the hands of killers of all types. It is time for Nigerians to speak as one and demand that those who have the responsibility to protect us do so.”
While acknowledging that friendly nations such as the U.S., China, the UK, and Russia have legitimate concerns about Nigeria’s security situation, the group said such concerns must not take the form of threats or interference.
“This is our problem as Nigerians, and it will be solved by us,” the signatories said. “What will help our situation are partnerships that strengthen our ability to protect our citizens, not insults and intimidation.”
The group outlined several recommendations, urging the U.S. to withdraw all threats and instead assist Nigeria with strategic support to defeat insecurity. It also called on the international community to be vigilant against efforts to destabilise Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, warning that such instability could fuel global terrorism.
The statement emphasised that all Nigerians—regardless of faith or ethnicity—must unite against the nation’s common enemies.
“Nigerians should not quarrel over who is being killed the most. Every life taken and every abduction or assault anywhere in the country matters equally. Those who kill us do not care about our faith,” it stated.
The group also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the nation directly on the issue, reassure citizens of his administration’s commitment to security, and focus on strengthening diplomatic representation rather than frequent foreign trips.
“His priority should be the safety and security of Nigerians,” the group added.
The Concerned Nigerian Citizens expressed optimism that with sincere leadership, political will, and unity, Nigeria would overcome its current challenges.
“Our independence and unity have been tested many times, and this too shall pass — but only if we act together as one people,” the statement concluded.
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