Akinnadeju, Public Affairs Analyst Blasts Trump Over ‘Disgraced Nation’ Remark, Urges Nigerian Leaders to Prioritise Citizens’ Welfare

Nigerian public affairs analyst, Abisaya Busari Akinnadeju, has criticised United States President Donald Trump for describing Nigeria as a “disgraced nation,” calling the comment undiplomatic, unhelpful, and disrespectful to a sovereign state.

In an open letter addressed to Trump and shared on social media, Akinnadeju said such remarks were unbecoming of a world leader and reflected a lack of respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“Referring to a sovereign nation as a ‘disgraced nation’ on social media is both undiplomatic and unhelpful,” she wrote.

The United States itself faces significant internal challenges an average of about 45,738 gun deaths annually (based on data from 2019 to 2023), deep-seated racial inequality, and food insecurity affecting over 47 million Americans, many of whom are children, as recently highlighted by former President Barack Obama.”

While condemning the senseless killings of Christians and other religious worshippers in Nigeria, Akinnadeju noted that America’s concern for human rights must be expressed through constructive engagement rather than public denigration.

“While I join in condemning the killings and appreciate America’s concern for human rights, it is equally important to respect our nation’s sovereignty and engage with dignity. Constructive dialogue, not public denigration, is what strengthens international cooperation,” she added.

Turning her attention to Nigeria’s internal challenges, Akinnadeju issued a passionate call to the country’s political leaders, urging them to take decisive action to end insecurity, revive the healthcare system, and lift millions out of poverty.

“To our so-called ‘leaders’: the time to act is now. Enough is enough of the ceaseless killings of innocent citizens. Enough is enough of our collapsing healthcare system. Enough is enough of the growing number of our people trapped in poverty,” she declared.

She concluded by urging Nigerian leaders to demonstrate true leadership by prioritising the safety, dignity, and well-being of citizens above all else.

“If we truly have leaders, in the real sense of the word, then the well-being, safety, and dignity of every Nigerian should be the first and highest priority,” Akinnadeju stated.

Her statement comes amid widespread backlash from Nigerians over Trump’s recent comments, which many citizens and commentators have described as disrespectful and inflammatory.