Former aide to President Bola Tinubu and prominent northern elder, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has cautioned Nigerians against internal division following reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump may impose sanctions on Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Baba-Ahmed, in a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, described the reports as disturbing, saying if true, they reflect a misunderstanding of Nigeria’s complex security situation.
He said the alleged plan, reportedly linked to claims of genocide against Christians, ignores the reality that insecurity in Nigeria affects both Muslims and Christians.
“If these reports are true, then we can only say *Bismillah*, because it means foreign interests are being stirred up against us,” he wrote. “Those killing Nigerians do not distinguish between Muslims and Christians. Ethnic and communal conflicts have claimed the lives of both.”
The former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum accused Trump and his allies of pursuing ulterior motives, saying the U.S. and its partners have long been uneasy with resource-rich and populous African countries such as Nigeria, Libya, Sudan, and South Africa.
“America and its partners have never been comfortable with African nations that possess both resources and strong populations,” he said. “They see Nigeria as a threat because we refuse to submit to foreign control.”
Baba-Ahmed also linked the alleged move to Nigeria’s stance on global issues, including its criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its call for a permanent seat for Africa on the United Nations Security Council.
“Our only crime is that we spoke the truth — that what Israel is doing to Palestinians in Gaza is worse than what Nazi Germany did to the Jews,” he stated. “We also demanded a permanent UN Security Council seat for Africa.”
He alleged that some local actors were fueling religious divisions for political gain, adding that Trump’s reported position aligns with those who “never want Muslims and Christians in Nigeria to live in peace.”
“The Nigerian government has tried to counter these falsehoods,” he said, “but the U.S. insists on ‘saving’ Nigerian Christians while ignoring the killings of Muslims.”
Baba-Ahmed warned that any sanctions or hostile actions from the U.S. would only worsen hardship for all Nigerians, regardless of faith.
“America will not fight a war for Nigerian Christians,” he said. “It will only deepen the suffering of both Muslims and Christians.”
He called on religious leaders to promote unity and caution their followers against external manipulation, while urging the government to intensify efforts to secure all citizens.
“We must not destroy ourselves,” he said. “Our Christian and Muslim leaders must enlighten their followers about this grave threat. The government, too, must protect everyone.”
He concluded with a call for prayers and unity, saying: “Let us continue to pray. May Allah protect us from the evil and plots of our enemies.”
