- Nigeria engaging constructively, diplomatically to address all genuine concerns
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reaffirmed his administration’s determination to defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace across the country.
He assured Nigerians and international partners that his government remains steadfast in its pursuit of security, unity and economic progress.
The President made the declaration at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, shortly before presiding over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and moments after swearing in two new ministers.
It was his first public comment since Friday when United States(U.S) President Donald Trump re-designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern (CPC)’ and directed the U.S Department of War to prepare to take out Islamist terrorists whom he accused of targeting Christians.
President Tinubu struck a confident tone, stressing that his administration was engaging the world diplomatically as it strives to end terrorism and stabilise the nation.
He said: “The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with partners.
“The success of the $2.3 billion Eurobond that was oversubscribed by 400 per cent is the most assuring.
“So, the task ahead is immense; we are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country.
“The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria.”
The President charged Nigerians not to succumb to despair, assuring that ‘’the government will defeat every form of terrorism and secure every part of the country.’’
He called on ministers and other officials to ensure consistency in communication and avoid discordant messaging.
“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism. We will overcome the CPC designation.
“Nigeria is one happy family, and we shall spare no effort until we eliminate all criminals from our society.
‘’We want our friends to help us as we step up our fight against terrorism, and we will eliminate it.”
Idris: diplomatic channel with US opened
After the FEC meeting, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris told reporters that the government has opened a diplomatic channel with the U.S on the security situation in Nigeria and the CPC designation.
Idris said while the government took note of the political dimensions surrounding the US actions, it was engaging constructively and diplomatically to address all genuine concerns raised by Washington.
He stressed that Nigeria remains a stable democracy committed to the safety of all citizens and respect for religious freedoms.
“Have we had any discussions with the government of the United States? Yes. Channels have been opened. We prefer that this situation be solved diplomatically,” the minister stated.
He added that Nigeria would not escalate the situation through public exchanges but continue to demonstrate through actions that the Tinubu administration was tackling insecurity and upholding the constitutional rights of all citizens.
He said: “The politics of it aside, we genuinely are taking the issues seriously, but let me also say that government, even before these events of the last few days, has been extremely committed to ensuring that Nigeria is indeed safe for everyone.
“The killing of even one Nigerian citizen is of concern to the government of Nigeria, and of course, because our constitution, and we keep mentioning this, guarantees the right of everyone to worship his or her religion without hindrance.
“The government of Nigeria is committed to that, will continue to do that, and wherever there is any violence affecting any citizen in this country, the government of Nigeria has indeed the responsibility to ensure that is tackled.”
The minister assured that President Tinubu and FEC members would be responding to the situation “responsibly and steadily.”
“Nigeria values its relationship with the international community and will continue to engage partners with respect and dignity.
“There is no panic. The government is simply doing what is necessary to protect lives while maintaining our sovereignty,” Idris said.
The minister, who also spoke at the 50th anniversary of Angola, challenged Nigerians ‘’to come together and to think together.’’
“This is not a time for politics. This is not a time to say what you believe and what you don’t. This is a time to think and behave as a Nigerian,’’ he said.
To the media, he said: ‘’I want to challenge you once again to put forth those things that promote our political existence as Nigerians, not the things that divide us.”
The minister added that the government is ‘’inviting all those who can help us to really navigate through’’ the situation the country is facing.
Nigerians in U.S reject foreign intervention
As the reassurances came from President Tinubu and the minister, a coalition of 19 Nigerian groups in the U.S, the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), objected to foreign military intervention in Nigeria under the guise of protecting Christians.
OAN cautioned that “foreign military presence is not the solution”, adding, “the Nigerian government must take full responsibility for safeguarding its people”.
The group, in a statement by its President, Temi Aregbesola, said: “Nigeria is a sovereign nation. We remind all international partners that the protection of its citizens must remain in the hands of the Nigerian government, in collaboration, not under coercion.
“While we recognise and join in the urgent concern over the killings of Christians, Muslims and other innocent Nigerians, we unequivocally reject the idea of foreign military intervention on Nigerian soil.’’
It, however, expressed “deep dismay and disappointment at the inability of successive Nigerian administrations to halt the escalation of violence” targeting communities, indigenous groups and innocent civilians across the country.
OAN urged the Nigerian authorities to “accept and initiate urgent collaboration with the U.S. and international partners, to share intelligence, training, technology and logistical support.
U.S. military crafts intervention plans
The US-Africa Command (AFRICOM) has drawn up three escalatory plans for intervention in Nigeria.
The options – light, medium, and heavy, according to The New York Times, have been submitted to the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
According to Defence officials, the light option would involve “partner-enabled” operations, with the U.S military and State Department supporting Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other militant groups.
The medium option envisions drone strikes on militant camps and convoys, though U.S forces no longer have nearby bases in the neighbouring Niger Republic and would face logistical and diplomatic challenges.
The heavy option could involve the deployment of an aircraft carrier group and long-range strike assets.
But the officials said such a move is not currently a U.S national security priority.
Military officials said U.S forces are unlikely to end the decades-long insurgency in Nigeria and would have a limited impact without an Iraq- or Afghanistan-style campaign.
“It would be a fiasco,” said the New York Times, quoting Maj. Gen. Paul D. Eaton, as saying.
He added that neither the U.S public nor President Trump, beyond social media posts, appears interested in a large-scale ground war in Nigeria.
