Olurode Counsels Tinubu Against Being Confrontational Over US Religious Rights Listing

Former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Lai Olurode, has advised the Federal Government to adopt a diplomatic approach in responding to the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

In a statement on Wednesday, Olurode urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to resist the temptation of emotional or defensive reactions, warning that any rash response could escalate tensions with Washington.

“It may be suicidal to walk into America’s death trap,” Olurode cautioned, adding that “President Trump can even be angry with the truth.”

The former University of Lagos sociology professor stressed that Nigeria must handle the matter with tact and respect for the global influence of the US, which he described as “the most powerful country in a unipolar world.”

“In his response to Mr Trump’s provocative moves, President Tinubu’s government should display decorum and respect. Nigeria shouldn’t turn itself into a theatre of war, which it is luring itself into,” he warned.

Olurode further called on Nigeria’s political class to unite behind the government during the diplomatic standoff, saying national interest should override partisan divisions.

He said, “I urge Nigeria’s elites to sink their differences and mobilise national sentiments behind the government and President Bola Tinubu. If Nigeria goes under, there will be no country for the pursuits of our diverse aspirations.”

Commending the government’s restraint so far, the former INEC commissioner said the administration had shown “commendable caution and consciousness that America can kill Nigeria’s fly with a sledgehammer.”

He reiterated that diplomacy, rather than confrontation, should define Nigeria’s engagement with the United States as both countries navigate the sensitive issue of religious rights and governance.