Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump over his recent comments labelling Nigeria “a disgraced country,” describing the statement as offensive, undiplomatic, and contrary to international norms.
Trump, during a White House press briefing, had warned that he would “take decisive action” if the alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria continued.
Reacting in a viral video that circulated on Friday, Jibrin rebuked the remark, calling it a breach of diplomatic conduct. “But for now, for the president of the United States to come in and 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.
“We feel that he should understand, then retract that statement and apologise to Nigeria,” he added.
The Deputy Senate President further argued that Trump’s words contradict the democratic and legal values America stands for, stressing that no foreign leader has the right to issue military threats without following due process.
“It’s against international law. 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.
Addressing a cheering audience, Jibrin maintained that Nigeria would not be intimidated by Trump’s rhetoric. “We are not scared to say the truth. We are not scared of telling Trump the truth. If he were here, I would tell him he has gone against international law and that the route he’s taking is not the best one to take,” he declared.
Jibrin called on the US to prioritize diplomatic engagement over threats, emphasizing that mutual respect and dialogue are the foundations of international relations.
What You Should Know
Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, is known for his firm stance on national sovereignty and foreign diplomacy.
His response follows heightened tensions between Nigeria and the US after President Donald Trump’s remarks about alleged religious violence in the country. Jibrin’s comments reflect the Nigerian government’s position that international disputes should be resolved through lawful, diplomatic means.
His reaction underscores Nigeria’s demand for respect on the global stage and highlights ongoing sensitivity surrounding external criticisms of the nation’s internal affairs.
