The Presidency has said that President Bola Tinubu is well ahead of what it described as the “orchestrated game” playing out in the United States.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga made this remark in a post on X on Sunday while responding to recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump had on Friday designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” alleging ongoing violence against Christians and accusing the Nigerian government of failing to safeguard religious minorities.
The Nigerian government has consistently denied any claims of religious persecution against any group in the country.
In his most recent post on Saturday, Trump threatened potential military action if Nigeria does not stop the alleged killings of Christians.
Reacting to the threat, Onanuga referenced an excerpt from Tinubu’s recent address to newly appointed service chiefs.
He noted that President Tinubu had already emphasized the need for proactive and decisive measures to confront emerging security challenges nationwide.
Onanuga wrote, “President Bola Tinubu was well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America as he told the new service chiefs on Thursday what Nigerians expect of them. No more excuses, he said. Nigerians want results. Here is the excerpt of his speech:
“Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head,” Tinubu stated.
“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” the President instructed.
The President continued, “I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer.”
“I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” the statement added.
The latest threat of U.S. military action against Nigeria by President Trump has continued to draw widespread reactions both locally and internationally, with several voices urging President Tinubu to rely on seasoned diplomats to resolve the growing tensions.
