Apologise to Nigeria for Your Remarks, Deputy Senate President Tells Trump
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has strongly criticised former United States President Donald Trump over his recent comments describing Nigeria as “a disgraced country,” demanding an immediate apology from the American leader.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Saturday, Jibrin described Trump’s remarks as “deeply offensive, undiplomatic, and unbecoming of a former leader of the free world.”
According to the Deputy Senate President, Trump’s statement undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and unfairly maligns the image of a nation that has remained a key partner in promoting peace and stability across Africa.
“Nigeria is a proud and resilient nation with a democratically elected government and a people who have made immense sacrifices to uphold peace, justice, and unity,” Jibrin said. “We find it unacceptable that a former president of the United States would use such derogatory language against our country. He owes Nigeria an apology.”
Trump, during a recent White House press briefing, had warned that he would “take decisive action” if the alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria continued, sparking strong reactions across Africa.
His comments drew condemnation from the African Union Commission, which urged Washington to adopt diplomacy and dialogue rather than threats.
Jibrin further stated that while Nigeria remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity, no foreign power has the right to threaten or disparage the country.
“Nigeria does not need lectures from anyone. We are fully capable of addressing our internal security challenges within the bounds of our constitution and international law,” he added. “What we expect from partners like the United States is support, not insults.”
The lawmaker also commended the African Union and ECOWAS for their prompt responses defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, urging African nations to remain united in rejecting any external intimidation.
“Africa must speak with one voice against any attempt to undermine the dignity of its people,” Jibrin concluded.
Trump’s comments have continued to generate diplomatic tension, with Nigerian officials and civil society groups calling on the U.S. government to distance itself from the statement and reaffirm its commitment to respectful international relations.
