Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin has strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump over his recent remarks describing Nigeria as “a disgraced country,” calling the statement offensive, undiplomatic, and un-American.
Trump had issued the comment during a White House press briefing, where he threatened to “take decisive action” if the alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria continued. His warning sparked global reactions, with many Nigerians viewing it as a direct affront to the nation’s sovereignty.
In a viral video released Friday, Senator Jibrin criticized Trump’s tone and language, stressing that no world leader had the right to threaten military action against a sovereign country without due diplomatic process.
“For the President of the United States to say, ‘Oh, you are doing this, and we are going to attack you, and Nigeria is a disgraced country’ — this is quite unacceptable,” Jibrin said.
“He should understand, retract that statement, and apologise to Nigeria.”
‘Trump Violated International Law’ — Jibrin
The Deputy Senate President further argued that Trump’s threats were inconsistent with the principles of international law and diplomatic civility, insisting that America — a self-proclaimed global defender of democracy — must act within the bounds of legality.
“Whatever you feel about our country, follow the legal route. Go to the United Nations, get a resolution there, and then anything can come later. To bypass that route is quite unacceptable. It’s un-American,” he stated.
Jibrin emphasized that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest democracy, would not be intimidated by political bullying or threats of invasion.
“We are not scared to say the truth. If Trump were here, I would tell him to his face — he has gone against international law, and the route he’s taking is not the best one to take,” he declared to a cheering audience.
‘Choose Diplomacy, Not Threats’
Calling for restraint and mutual respect, Senator Jibrin urged the United States to adopt a diplomatic approach to resolving global human rights concerns. He noted that strong nations are expected to lead with dialogue, not coercion.
“International relations thrive on mutual respect. The U.S. should engage Nigeria through diplomacy, not threats,” he concluded.
Trump’s recent remarks have continued to stir reactions both within and outside Nigeria, with leaders and clerics — including Pastor Enoch Adeboye — urging the Tinubu administration to act decisively on security while maintaining open diplomatic channels with Washington.
