A group of prominent Nigerians, known as Concerned Nigerian Citizens, has urged the United States to withdraw its recent threats against the country. The group, which includes individuals from diverse backgrounds and faiths, also called on the Nigerian government to take full responsibility for addressing insecurity and protecting its citizens.
The call was made in Kaduna during a press briefing, where Dr. Bilkisu Oniyangi spoke on behalf of the group, which includes Prof. Usman Yusuf, Dr. Ahmed Shehu, Dr. Aliyu Tilde, Dr. Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed, and Mr. Kalli Al‑Ghazali. Their concerns stem from comments made by former US President Donald Trump, who threatened to relist Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and possibly take military action. According to Oniyangi, these remarks have generated widespread anxiety and division among Nigerians, with some viewing them as an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and others seeing them as a reaction to the country’s insecurity challenges.
The group believes that such developments could deepen Nigeria’s national fault lines and turn the country into a pawn in global geopolitics. They emphasized that Nigeria’s challenges—including insecurity, poverty, and poor governance—have made the nation vulnerable to foreign manipulation, but only a united and resolute citizenry can restore its dignity and security.
Concerned Nigerian Citizens urged the US and other friendly nations to support Nigeria strategically rather than threaten it, calling for solidarity instead of interference. They advised President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate stronger political will and accountability in addressing insecurity, reassuring Nigerians that their safety remains the government’s highest priority. The group urged the president to focus on rebuilding trust and reforming the country’s decaying security institutions rather than traveling abroad.
Furthermore, the group called on religious and community leaders to promote restraint and unity, emphasizing that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of faith or region. They cautioned against growing external influence in the Sahel, which could benefit extremist groups, and urged the international community to recognize and resist attempts to destabilize the region.
In conclusion, Concerned Nigerian Citizens reaffirmed their commitment to engaging with the government and stakeholders to promote peace, national cohesion, and lasting solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges. The situation threatens not only Nigeria’s unity but also regional and global security, and the group believes that with the support of genuine friends and allies, the country can overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.
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