Afenifere faults Trump’s threat, says U.S targeting Nigeria’s economy

Afenifere faults Trump’s threat, says U.S targeting Nigeria’s economy

Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has dismissed the recent threat by United States President Donald Trump to “invade Nigeria to fight terrorists,” describing it as a ploy to mask deeper political and economic motives.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group said Trump’s allegation that the Nigerian government is aiding the killing of Christians by bandits is not only false but a deliberate attempt “to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it.”

Ajayi argued that Trump’s comments were not driven by genuine concern for human rights but by economic interests and dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s independent foreign policy stance.

“By sounding so harsh, Mr Trump hopes to pressure President Tinubu into negotiations that will give the U.S. more access to Nigeria’s economy, including pushing the country to buy more American weapons,” Ajayi said.

READ ALSO:

• New York elects first Muslim mayor as democrats sweep key U.S. races
• Sudan seeks Nigeria’s help to end three-year war
• Don’t turn Nigeria into another Sudan over false claims, FG warns

He further claimed that Washington is uncomfortable with Nigeria’s growing ties with China and with what he called Tinubu’s “principled positions” on certain international matters.

Afenifere also rejected claims of religious genocide in Nigeria, insisting that terrorists and bandits attack indiscriminately, driven not by ideology but by economic interests, particularly access to mineral-rich territories.

Ajayi maintained that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation capable of handling its internal security challenges, adding that the replacement of service chiefs was part of ongoing reforms to strengthen national defence.

The group cautioned Nigerians against statements that could be used by foreign powers as justification for military intervention.

“Nigeria needs support, not threats. Inviting or provoking external military action will only worsen the situation,” Ajayi warned.

He urged citizens to criticise responsibly, noting that careless remarks could damage the country’s image and be exploited by those “seeking to create theatres of war.”

Afenifere faults Trump’s threat, says U.S targeting Nigeria’s economy