Outrage as Civil Coalition condemns Trump’s ‘bullying’ of Nigeria

A coalition of civil society and public interest groups under the banner of the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has strongly condemned remarks U.S. President Donald Trump, describing his alleged designation of Nigeria on religious lines and threat of invasion as “an act of aggression and intimidation unbecoming of a world leader.”

In a statement issued in Lagos after an emergency meeting on the state of the nation, the coalition said Trump’s comments were “irresponsible, provocative and disconnected from reality.”

The statement, signed by the group’s convener, Nelson Ekujumi, and 11 other co-conveners, expressed outrage at what it called “a brazen insult” to the Nigerian state and people.

“As Nigerians, we are shocked, pained, insulted, and traumatized by President Trump’s reckless and condemnable threat of invasion,” the group declared.

“Nigeria is a sovereign nation, not a conquered territory of the United States.”

The coalition reminded Trump that both nations share a long history of partnership and cooperation, stressing that the U.S. leader’s statement undermines that relationship.

It added that Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges are being addressed by the government and security agencies in line with constitutional responsibilities.

“President Trump must get his facts right. Nigeria’s government is tackling insecurity head-on, just as every other nation faces its own internal challenges,” the group said, adding that “What we need from the U.S. is support, not threats.”

Ekujumi further stated that Trump’s comments risk aggravating existing tensions by framing Nigeria’s security issues along religious lines, despite evidence that victims of terrorism include both Muslims and Christians.

“Such divisive rhetoric can inflame religious sensitivities and undermine peace efforts. All lives matter, and Nigeria’s conflicts are not defined by faith,” he noted.

The coalition called on the U.S. political establishment to rein in Trump’s “unbecoming conduct” and offer him lessons in diplomacy, respect for sovereignty, and international civility.

“We demand a public apology from President Trump to the government and people of Nigeria for this unwarranted affront on our sovereignty,” the statement said.

The release was signed by Nelson Ekujumi, Razaq Olokoba, Razaq Oladosu, Gbenga Soloki, Uche Nnadozie, Gbenga Omage, Peter Oparah, Ahmed Jimoh, Muritala Abdullahi, Raheem Ajayi, Popoola Ajayi, and Titilayo Obasa on behalf of the coalition.