.Beijing ‘ll not dictate our foreign policy, says U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore
.Nigeria ‘ll emerge stronger –Tinubu
.EU reaffirms solidarity with FG, pledges stronger support on security
.Foreign military intervention could destabilize Nigeria -Ondo AG
.’Be careful with Trump,’ Osoba warns Nigerians, urges unity
.As HURIWA backs US decision to attack Nigerian terrorists
CHIGOZIE AMADI
China has said it firmly supports the Nigerian government as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions”.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Beijing, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, said “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force”.
Ning was answering a question on US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
She also responded to the report that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking military equipment from China, Russia, and Iran to prepare for possible attacks by the US.
She said, “China has a clear-cut stance on the US cracking down on so-called ‘drug cartels’ by force in the Caribbean Sea.
“China supports the effort of combating cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation, and opposes using or threatening to use force in international relations.
“We stand against moves that undermine peace and stability in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, and oppose unilateral and excessive ‘enforcement operations’ against other countries’ vessels. We hope the U.S. will engage in normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks.”
Recall that on Saturday, Trump asked the US department of war to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria.
Trump also warned the Nigerian government to act fast to end the “killing of Christians” in the country.
He had also called Nigeria a “disgraced country”.
“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’, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” the US leader warned.
“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action.
“If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! warning: the nigerian government better move fast!”
.Beijing ‘ll not dictate our foreign policy, says U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore
Meanwhile, A member of the United States House of Representatives, Riley Moore, has hit back at the Peoples Republic of China for throwing weight behind Nigeria amidst threats over alleged Christian genocide saga.
This follows the position taken by the People’s Republic of China, condemning any form of interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and declaring its strong support for President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government.
It would be recalled that China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, described Nigeria as a strategic partner during a press conference while reacting to the recent threat issued by United States President Donald Trump against Nigeria.
Moore, a congressman representing West Virginia’s 2nd District, while reacting on Tuesday via his X page, said President Trump was right in his defense of Christians in Nigeria, questioning China’s authority to decide foreign policy to the U.S.
Riley M. Moore, a lawmaker representing West Virginia’s 2nd District in the US Congress.
According to him, a Communist autocracy who he claimed recently arrested 30 Christian pastors for their faith cannot lecture the United States on its foreign affairs.
“President Trump is absolutely right to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering horrific persecution, and even martyrdom, for their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. China will not dictate our foreign policy to us, and we will not be lectured to by a Communist autocracy that recently arrested 30 Christian pastors for their faith and throws ethnic minorities in concentration camps,” Moore’s X post quoting China’s page reads.
However, the Tinubu-led administration has dismissed the claim, insisting that such claims are not the realities of Nigeria’s security challenges.
.Nigeria ‘ll emerge stronger –Tinubu
However, President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that Nigeria will emerge stronger amid recent threats from U.S. President, Donald Trump, assuring that the matter is being handled with seriousness and depth.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated the President’s position on Tuesday, after a routine meeting with the Nigerian leader at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Idris said the President remained calm while deploying a multi-pronged strategy to address Washington’s concerns through dialogue, coordination, and transparency.
He emphasised that the Federal Government prioritised constructive engagement over inflammatory rhetoric, adding that new communication channels had been opened with international organisations to deepen understanding of Nigeria’s reforms and future strategies.
”Of course, the issue of the U.S. threats came up, and we discussed that extensively with Mr President.
“He is calm and looking for ways to ensure that the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing.
“Only two weeks ago, Mr President reinvigorated the hierarchy of the Armed Forces with the appointment of new service chiefs.
“These were steps already taken before the U.S. concerns, showing that he has been working assiduously to keep Nigeria safer for all,” Idris said.
The minister explained that work is ongoing across relevant agencies to address domestic and international concerns through sustained dialogue and a commitment to tolerance, security, and national cohesion.
He said the President has continued to meet with Christian and Muslim leaders to strengthen unity among Nigerians of all faiths.
“It is a multiple approach. Mr President has been meeting with religious leaders and will continue to do so because they are important stakeholders in the Nigerian project,” he said.
Idris reaffirmed that President Tinubu would sustain active engagement with the international community, including the United States, regional, and continental bodies, to strengthen cooperation in addressing security challenges and correcting misconceptions about Nigeria.
He noted that the government remained determined to eliminate criminal elements whose actions had contributed to negative global narratives about the country.
”For us to be characterised as a country that is intolerant of religion is absolutely false.
“What we have are extremists trying to divide the country. Nigerians must look deeper and reflect on our unity.
“This is not the time for division or rhetoric but a time for nation-building.
“Mr President is calm and taking the issue seriously. All relevant authorities are addressing it with the depth it requires, and we believe Nigeria will come out stronger,” Idris said.
He explained that his meeting with the President was part of routine consultations aimed at aligning government communication strategies with presidential directives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Donald Trump of U.S. had threatened to carry out attacks in Nigeria in response to alleged anti-Christian violence.
The U.S. President said he instructed the recently renamed Department of War to “prepare for possible action”.
In a social media post on Saturday, he said the United States would immediately cut off all assistance to Nigeria “if the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians”.
.EU reaffirms solidarity with FG, pledges stronger support on security
However, The European Union (EU) has reiterated its solidarity with Nigeria, emphasising respect for the nation’s sovereignty and commitment to strengthening cooperation in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
Mignot was reacting to the recent comments made by the U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria.
He said the EU’s position was not influenced by external actors but rooted in its long-standing partnership and shared values with Nigeria.
Mignot said the EU and the member states would continue to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria.
“Solidarity with the victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides.
“We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality,” he said.
According to him, the EU is ready to enhance its support in peace, security and defence matters, as well as through dialogue with all stakeholders, including civil society organisation and traditional and religious leaders.
Mignot assured that the EU would continue to implement several peacebuilding initiatives across the country to promote peaceful coexistence.
“We also support programmes on deradicalisation, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-members of non-state armed groups in the North-East,” he said.
He said the EU would remain committed to the protection of all communities, especially the minorities with the freedom of religion and belief.
Mignot acknowledged that while Nigeria faces challenges in human rights and freedom of religion, its legal and institutional framework provides for fundamental freedoms.
“The situation is not perfect, as in any country but there exists a constitutional basis for the protection of human rights.
“It is up to Nigerian authorities and society as a whole to uphold and strengthen this environment of peaceful coexistence,” he stated.
The ambassador stressed that the EU works closely with civil society organisations on projects promoting interfaith dialogue and good relations among religious communities.
He noted that the EU’s support is non-discriminatory, covering all victims of violence irrespective of the motives.
Mignot said the EU’s engagement with Nigeria remains steady and predictable, adding that the cooperation between both parties is not driven by what others do but by “shared interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria.”
Mignot disclosed that a peace, security and defence dialogue between Nigeria and the EU is expected soon as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation.
He emphasised that the EU’s guiding principle is to help Nigeria reinforce stability and prosperity and that the country’s future “lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves.”
NAN reports that Trump had threatened to carry out attacks in Nigeria in response to alleged anti-Christian violence.
NAN reports that in a series of social media posts, Trump designated Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ due to alleged killings of Christians and rising religious intolerance.
He said the United States would immediately cut off all assistance to Nigeria “if the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians.”
.Foreign military intervention could destabilize Nigeria -Ondo AG
.’Be careful with Trump,’ Osoba warns Nigerians, urges unity
.As HURIWA backs US decision to attack Nigerian terrorists
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo on Tuesday cautioned against any form of foreign military intervention in Nigeria under the guise of combating terrorism.
He described such moves as modern-day “gunboat diplomacy” that could undermine the nation’s sovereignty and stability.
Ajulo in a persuasive reflection titled “Navigating Power Dynamics: The Significance of International Cooperation to Trump’s Gunboat Diplomacy in Nigeria,” warned that recent signals from the United States suggesting possible military involvement in Nigeria raise deep concerns about respect for international law and the principle of non-intervention.
He noted that the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” during the Trump administration, coupled with rhetoric hinting at swift and forceful action, reflected a dangerous shift toward coercive foreign policy reminiscent of historical gunboat diplomacy.
According to him, this approach runs contrary to Articles 2(4) and 51 of the United Nations Charter, which prohibit the use of force except in self-defence and uphold the sovereignty of all member states.
Citing landmark cases such as Nicaragua v. United States (1986) and Democratic Republic of Congo v. Uganda (2005) before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Ajulo argued that international law firmly upholds the principle of non-intervention, warning that any external use of force against Nigeria could constitute a violation of global legal norms.
He stressed that similar historical acts of gunboat diplomacy, such as Britain’s blockade of Venezuela in 1902 and the U.S. expedition to Japan in the 1850s, left lasting political and economic scars on the affected nations.
“The implications of a militarised approach are profound and multifaceted,” Ajulo stated. “While such interventions may be framed as efforts to combat terrorism or defend religious freedom, history shows they often escalate tensions, provoke retaliation, and fuel humanitarian crises.”
He emphasized that military involvement in Nigeria could deepen instability, trigger nationalist backlash, and provide extremist groups with new recruitment narratives.
Ajulo warned that foreign troops on Nigerian soil could weaken governance structures, foster corruption, and divert vital resources from essential social and economic development programmes.
Rather, the Ondo Attorney General advocated for international cooperation and multilateral collaboration as a more sustainable solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
He called for joint initiatives that address the root causes of conflict, including poverty, political instability, and underdevelopment, while empowering local institutions to build resilience from within.
According to him, engaging regional organisations such as ECOWAS and promoting economic partnerships would strengthen regional security frameworks, create jobs, and reduce the allure of extremist ideologies.
He added that cooperative approaches build trust and legitimacy because they are less intrusive and more aligned with the aspirations of local communities.
Ajulo urged the United States and the international community to embrace diplomacy and developmental support over militarisation.
His words “Let us not underestimate the transformative power of cooperation,” he said.
“By working together, the United States and Nigeria can forge sustainable solutions that promote peace, prosperity, and human rights across the region.”
Dr. Ajulo, who also serves as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA), concluded by reaffirming that genuine international cooperation rooted in respect for sovereignty, dialogue, and shared responsibility remains the most viable path to lasting peace and progress in Nigeria.
Also, OLUSEGUN Osoba, Former Ogun State governor has cautioned Nigerians to tread carefully in their dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing him as “a man who must be handled with care.”
Speaking as chairman of the occasion at the official presentation of “Beyond Expectations – A Memoir” by veteran journalist Yakubu Mohammed, Osoba warned against any foreign interference that could worsen Nigeria’s internal challenges.
“We have to be very, very careful with Trump,” he said. “Let us unite, not because of Tinubu, not because of government, but because of Nigeria.
“We don’t deserve any intervention from anywhere that could complicate our situation.”
Drawing a sharp contrast between world leaders, Osoba cited how the British Prime Minister and the Ukrainian President approached Trump differently.
“The President of Ukraine went and confronted Trump,” he recalled. “But the UK Prime Minister massaged him carefully, presented a letter from the King and that got Trump smiling. Let’s learn from that.”
Osoba, known for his blunt style, also called for national unity beyond religion and politics.
Referring to the opening prayers at the event, he said: “When the Christian prayed, I joined him. When the Sheikh came, I joined him.
“We are not to fight but to educate; that in Nigeria, religion is not our biggest issue. The real battle is against ISIS and insecurity.”
He praised some prominent Nigerians who, he said, have begun to rally around the current administration in the face of Threat of Military invasion by the U.S.
“Even Obi himself has said religion is not Nigeria’s problem,” Osoba noted, adding that WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also recently threw her support behind the government.
Ever the disciplined chair, Osoba kept the room in check with a humorous warning: “Nobody should speak for more than five minutes or you’ll pay for it!”
The event celebrated Beyond Expectations, a memoir that chronicles the rich career of Mohammed, one of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists, editors, and administrators.
However, Prominent pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has asked President Donald John Trump to make good his administration’s threat to degrade, decimate and destroy the pro-Islamist terrorists groups in Northern Nigerian forests as soon as possible because not doing so timeosly and in a time-sensitive fashion could endanger the lives of Christians especially in the major flashpoints whereby Christians have come under persistent attacks.
“We in the organised civil society community in Nigeria hereby appeal to the President of the United States of America supported by the United States congressional members to sanction the immediate enforcement of the threats by the President of the United States of America to make good his administration’s threats to massively take out the Islamic terror networks and armed insurgents responsible for some of the most heinous killings of Christians and the destruction of the places of worship especially in the North Central, North West and North East States of Benue, Southern Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Plateau, and Taraba States.
The reason for making this urgent appeal is because if the military strikes are not carried out, it will expose these Christians under attacks to more attacks by the terrorists just to show that the President of the USA is not committed and willing to use lawful military means to end the genocide of Christians which are realities in many states of Northern Nigeria.”
HURIWA recalled that the President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald John Trump had in a widely publicized media statement ordered the military to prepare for action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups, accusing the government of failing to protect Christians.
HURIWA also for the umpteenth time condemned Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu for wrongly insisting that there is religious tolerance in the country and said the security challenges were affecting people “across faiths and regions”, a statement that the Rights group said constituted a deliberate official decision by a government dominated in strategic positions like Foreign Affairs, Defence and ministry of Information to lie about the reality of the ongoing bombardments of Christian communities and farming communities dominated by Christians by armed Fulani herders, Pro-Islamists terrorists and insurgents.
HURIWA also blatantly accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of playing politics with the national security interest of Nigeria by failing to direct the military operatives to go all out to eliminate these terrorists or the heads of the military institutions that failed are dismissed.
HURIWA affirmed that there are a large body of evidence that the government of Tinubu may be doing business with terrorists because it is unacceptable and totally unimaginable that terrorism masterminds who were declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja have been seen openly wielding weapons of mass destruction and have held the so-called peaceful negotiations with the state governments of Katsina and some local authorities in Sokoto and yet the military institutions in Nigeria failed to take out these terrorists.
In a media statement by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko the National Coordinator, HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA recalled that President Trump wrote in a social media post on Saturday that he had instructed the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action”.
And on Sunday, Trump reiterated that his country could deploy troops to Nigeria or carry out airstrikes to stop the alleged killings.
“They’re killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria. They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen,” the US president said.
In Saturday’s post he warned that he might send the military into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” unless the Nigerian government intervened, and said that all aid to what he called “the now disgraced country” would be cut.
Trump had said: “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!”
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth then replied to the post by writing: “Yes sir.
“The Department of War is preparing for action.
Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
Besides, President Trump earlier announced that he had declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” because of the “existential threat” posed to its Christian population.
He said “thousands” had been killed, without providing any evidence.
This is a designation used by the US State Department that provides for sanctions against countries “engaged in severe violations of religious freedom”.
Following this announcement, Tinubu said his government was committed to working with the US and the international community to protect communities of all faiths.
HURIWA said it is shocking and disappointing that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is kicking against the well-intentioned decision of the President of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA President Donald John Trump to help Nigeria eliminate terrorists that the President Tinubu’s government has been unwilling to deal with decisively.
Just as the Rights group said if these attacks aren’t carried out, what it means is that the attacks against Christians in Nigeria will become more vicious and violent in the attempt by the terrorists to rubbish the publicly announced decision by the government of President Trump to hit them and eliminate them.
So we are basically saying that President Trump should not expose Christians to more attacks by not actualising and pragmatically enforcing his administration’s threats to eradicate the terrorists killing Christians in massive scale in Nigeria.
“We think President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be happy that USA now wants to voluntarily wipe out the biggest security threats to the National security interest of not just Christians but the corporate entity of Nigeria.
Any opposition to the plan by USA to eliminate terrorists could be interpreted to mean that the Tinubu’s government has some hidden agenda about the insecurity in the country.”
