COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS SLAMS TRUMP OVER NIGERIA DESIGNATION, CALLS IT AN ACT OF AGGRESSION BY A BULLY
Lagos, Nigeria — A coalition of civil society organizations and advocacy groups under the aegis of the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has condemned what it described as the “reckless and provocative” designation of Nigeria on religious grounds by U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside his threat of military invasion.
Rising from an emergency meeting in Lagos, the coalition issued a strongly worded statement signed by its Convener, Nelson Ekujumi, describing Trump’s comments as “brazen, irresponsible, insensitive, and an act of aggression and intimidation by a bully.”
Ekujumi said the coalition was “shocked, pained, and insulted” by Trump’s remarks, which he argued were not only at variance with reality but also an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“For the education and information of President Trump, Nigeria and America share a long history of mutual friendship and cooperation which does not warrant such disrespectful and provocative talk-down or threat of invasion,” the statement read.
The coalition reminded the American leader that Nigeria remains an independent and sovereign nation, not a subordinate territory to the United States. It further questioned the constitutional or moral basis upon which the U.S. president could issue threats against another sovereign country.
Urging Trump to get his facts right on Nigeria’s internal security situation, the group noted that the Bola Tinubu administration and security agencies were addressing the nation’s challenges head-on.
“President Trump must not allow himself to be misled into exhibiting crudity, barbarism, and stone-age despotism through such reckless statements,” Ekujumi said.
The Coalition for Good Governance appealed to the U.S. government and international partners to support Nigeria’s ongoing political and economic reforms rather than worsening tensions through inflammatory rhetoric.
“What Nigeria needs now is assistance, encouragement, and cooperation from friends like the United States to overcome its challenges and achieve peace, progress, and prosperity,” the statement added.
The coalition further demanded a public apology from President Trump to the Nigerian government and people, describing his comments as “an assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty and dignity.”
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“The American establishment should educate President Trump on civility, international diplomacy, and respect for national sovereignty,” the group declared.
The statement was co-signed by 11 other civil society leaders, including Razaq Olokoba, Razaq Oladosu, Gbenga Soloki, Uche Nnadozie, Gbenga Omage, Peter Oparah, Ahmed Jimoh, Muritala Abdullahi, Raheem Ajayi, Popoola Ajayi, and Titilayo Obasa.
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