The attention of the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Office of the Secretary General, Southwest Zone (Zone D) has been drawn to a viral post made by the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, wherein he described Nigeria as a “disgraced country” and threatened to take military action under the guise of protecting Christians.
While NANS recognizes the right of any global leader to express concern over humanitarian issues, we find the tone and content of this statement highly undiplomatic, condescending, and unbecoming of a head of state. Nigeria, as the largest democracy in Africa, deserves mutual respect in global relations not public denigration.
We wish to clearly state that the security challenges in Nigeria are not rooted in religion, but are rather products of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency that have affected Nigerians across all faiths and ethnicities. Attempts to label these crises as religious persecution are dangerous, divisive, and capable of igniting unnecessary tension among peace-loving citizens.
If the United States, or any other global power, truly desires to assist Nigeria, such intervention must be pursued through diplomatic channels with dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect, rather than inflammatory rhetoric or threats of aggression.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Presidency, the Ministry of Defence, the security agencies, and the State Governments, has not been idle in addressing these challenges. The government continues to make concerted efforts to restore peace, strengthen intelligence operations, and provide security to all Nigerians regardless of background.
It is also imperative to charge the Presidency, the Ministry of Defence, all security agencies, the State Governments, and every relevant stakeholder to take more proactive, coordinated, and intelligence-driven measures against terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and all forms of insecurity threatening our nation. Those involved whether individuals, groups, or sponsors must be swiftly identified and brought to justice. Had decisive actions been taken much earlier, Nigeria would not have been subjected to such international embarrassment or condescending remarks from any foreign personality or body. This is a defining moment for our leaders to reaffirm the sovereignty, security, and dignity of our nation before the world.
As an umbrella body representing the collective voice of Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to partnering with the government, security agencies, and civil society to promote peace, unity, and national development. We will also hold authorities accountable through consultation, consolidation, and constructive confrontation ensuring that every Nigerian, especially students, can live and learn in a safe environment.
We therefore urge all international stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements that could further complicate Nigeria’s security and interfaith harmony. The path forward is dialogue, not division.
*AFTER STRUGGLE, COME SUCCESS*
*NOTHING SHALL DISCOURAGE US*
*Signed:*
*Comr. Solomon Abel Ayobami(AY ALUTA)*
Chairman, NANS JCC Osun Axis
+2348107712104
*Co-Signed:*
*Comr. Oluwole Olutunde Aboke (O’Destiny)*
Secretary General,
NANS Southwest (Zone D)
+2347051741867
