Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu is set to visit the United States on Tuesday for high-level diplomatic talks amid rising tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of possible military intervention in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
According to a report from Sahara Reporters, President Trump has “delegated his Vice, James David Vance, to meet with Tinubu during the visit,” barring any last-minute changes. The trip, according to the sources, is expected to focus on strengthening counterterrorism cooperation and addressing growing diplomatic friction between both nations.
Trump’s comments last week had sparked outrage in Abuja and beyond after he accused the Nigerian government of allowing the “killing of Christians” and threatened to deploy U.S. troops to Nigeria if the violence continued. The U.S. President said Washington could go “guns-a-blazing” into the country to “wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
Join our WhatsApp Channel“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing,” Trump said. “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.”
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Reacting to the remarks, presidential spokesperson Dr. Daniel Bwala dismissed the claim of a “Christian genocide,” saying President Tinubu and President Trump share a common vision in combating terrorism and protecting humanity from violent extremism.
“Both President Tinubu and President Trump have a shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism,” Bwala said. “President Trump has assisted Nigeria a lot by authorising the sale of arms, and President Tinubu has effectively utilised those opportunities in the fight against terrorism with massive results to show for it.”
Bwala added that any perceived differences between the two leaders regarding the nature of terrorist targets in Nigeria would be clarified during the visit.
“I believe there has been a misunderstanding of President Trump’s remarks. When the leaders meet, they will have the opportunity to clarify these issues. There is no genocide taking place in Nigeria; rather, the nation faces serious security challenges that affect people across all faiths, including Christians,” he said.
He also emphasised that while Nigeria welcomes international cooperation, any intervention must respect its sovereignty. “It would not be diplomatically appropriate for the United States to take unilateral action without engagement and consent from the Nigerian government,” he told the BBC World Service.
Diplomatic observers note that the meeting whether in Washington or Abuja will be crucial in determining the tone of future U.S.-Nigeria relations. Both countries have long collaborated on counterterrorism and security, but Trump’s latest comments have injected new tension into the partnership.
As of Sunday night, neither Washington nor Abuja had released an official itinerary for Tinubu’s trip, but sources said discussions would centre on national security, religious freedom, and military cooperation.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
