Nigerian Cleric Condemns Trump's War Rhetoric, Points Finger at Government Failures
Prominent Islamic scholar Professor Amidu Sanni has strongly criticized United States President Donald Trump's recent threats of military action against Nigeria, describing them as "the misadventure of a reckless outburst." The former Chief Imam of Lagos State University delivered his assessment during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
According to Vanguard reports, Sanni stated that while Trump's invasion threats represent serious concern, the Nigerian government's "systemic failure" in multiple areas created the vulnerability that foreign powers are now exploiting. He emphasized that immediate government action could still prevent any potential military confrontation.
Root Causes of Nigeria's Vulnerability to Foreign Threats
The respected cleric identified several key areas where Nigerian authorities have failed, leaving the nation exposed to external manipulation. Years of poor international engagement, uncoordinated security management, and weak media presence have collectively weakened Nigeria's global position according to Sanni's analysis.
He observed that both state and non-state actors have allowed security lapses to deepen over time, fueling numerous crises including:
- Widespread banditry and kidnapping
- Illegal mining operations
- Diversion of public defense funds
- Persistent economic and political instability
Sanni linked the nation's ongoing security challenges to the inability of civilian administrations since 1999 to address fundamental governance issues. These failures have not only weakened national unity but also empowered groups that profit from violence and instability.
Economic and Diplomatic Dimensions of Trump's Threats
The cleric questioned the timing and motivation behind Trump's sudden focus on Nigeria's internal affairs, particularly the administration's plan to designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for alleged religious freedom violations. He described this move as hypocritical given Washington's silence on mass killings in Gaza and Sudan.
"Trump becoming more Catholic than the Pope, or more Anglican/Protestant than the Archbishop of Canterbury, should be rightly seen in light of the economic reforms being pushed by the Nigerian government in the oil and financial sectors," Sanni stated.
He argued that these reforms have disrupted Western dominance over Nigeria's economy and reduced the flow of unearned foreign exchange to elites dependent on external influence. "Trump's proclaimed war threat is simply economic and political," he added, warning that some local religious leaders appear to support this agenda without understanding its full implications.
Call for National Unity and Diplomatic Reinforcement
Sanni strongly criticized Nigeria's weak diplomatic posture, noting that the country has yet to appoint ambassadors to key global capitals nearly three years into the current administration. He faulted the government's failure to engage effectively through international platforms such as the United Nations and the G20.
The cleric urged faith-based organizations including the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs to present a united front in defending Nigeria's international image and promoting peace. He emphasized that both Christians and Muslims must stand together against all forms of human rights violations and external interference.
Sanni noted that violence in Nigeria has claimed lives across religious divides since the Boko Haram insurgency began in 2000, warning that the current crisis should not be mischaracterized as primarily about faith. He called for improved international communication to counter false global narratives portraying Nigeria as divided along religious lines.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry has previously responded to Trump's claims about widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria, stating that such assertions do not reflect the reality on the ground. However, Sanni's comments represent a significant religious leader's perspective on the broader geopolitical and governance issues underlying the current tensions with the United States.
