Drama as US Lawmakers Condemn Trump’s Threat of Military Action Against Nigeria as Reckless, Irresponsible
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that two senior members of the United States Congress, Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs, have denounced former President Donald Trump’s recent threat to cut off aid and take military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, describing the comments as “irresponsible and reckless.”
OTN News further reports that in a joint statement issued, Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Jacobs, the ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, rejected the Trump administration’s past designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” saying it misrepresented the complex causes of violence in the country.
According to them, the Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern ignores the complex reality of violence there.
“Clashes between farmers—many but not all of whom are Christian—and herders are driven by resource scarcity and land competition, not religion alone.” the lawmakers said.
They emphasized that terrorist groups in Nigeria have targeted both Christians and Muslims, particularly in the predominantly Muslim northern regions, which continue to face attacks from insurgents and criminal gangs known locally as bandits.
“All Nigerians deserve protection, and we know President Tinubu recognizes the importance of interfaith harmony and is working to address this challenge,” the statement added.
The lawmakers also faulted Trump’s remarks suggesting military intervention to “defend Christians,” calling them a “reckless response to distorted facts.”
“It is incredibly irresponsible of President Trump to threaten military action. Providing security support is one thing; threatening military intervention is another matter entirely. Such rhetoric risks embroiling the United States in another needless war,” they said.
On the issue of cutting aid to Nigeria, Meeks and Jacobs warned that doing so would undermine vital humanitarian and development efforts already underway.
“Trump’s aid cuts have blocked much-needed emergency nutrition and livelihoods training—the very types of programs essential to stopping the spread of insurgency,” they stated.
OTN News, however, observes that the statement reflects growing disapproval among U.S. lawmakers of Trump’s recent comments on Nigeria, as Washington continues to stress diplomatic engagement and development support as key strategies for addressing insecurity and promoting peace in West Africa.
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