Trump’s dissatisfactions with Tinubu’s policies led to invasion threat, Afenifere says

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, asserts that U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to invade Nigeria under the pretext of combating terrorism is merely a façade for his dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s policies and Nigeria’s increasingly independent stance on global matters.

In a statement from its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, Afenifere refuted Trump’s claim that the Nigerian government is complicit in the killings of Christians by bandits, labeling the accusation as “groundless and malevolent,” akin to “giving a bad name to a dog to justify its killing.”

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Ajayi suggested that Trump’s remarks stem primarily from economic motivations rather than humanitarian concerns. He stated, “By adopting such an aggressive tone, Trump aims to pressure President Tinubu into negotiations that could yield the U.S. greater access to Nigeria’s economy and possibly prompt the country to increase its purchases of American products—particularly weaponry.”

He noted that Nigeria’s recent economic ties with China have likely contributed to this sudden aggression from Washington. Afenifere indicated that certain U.S. interest groups are uneasy with what they perceive as Tinubu’s strong and independent approach to significant international issues.

Ajayi reminded the U.S. that Nigeria is a sovereign country and emphasized that its government is addressing its internal security challenges. “The federal government is not idle. The recent reshuffle of security leadership is part of its effort to enhance the nation’s security framework. Although there is room for improvement, progress is underway,” he pointed out.

Regarding allegations of genocide against Christians, Afenifere argued that such claims are exaggerated and misleading. “The reality is that terrorists and bandits in Nigeria do not discriminate. Their main objective is economic domination. Those financing these acts are motivated by the resources located in the affected regions. Once communities are displaced, these backers move in to exploit those resources,” Ajayi explained.

He also criticized Trump’s move to rename the U.S. Department of Defense to the “Department of War,” which he sees as indicative of an aggressive foreign policy approach. “Nigerians must avoid any statements or actions that could provide war advocates a reason to turn our nation into another battleground,” he warned.

Ajayi concluded by calling on Nigerians to communicate responsibly about their country on the global stage. “When we undermine our own nation, the repercussions can be hard to mend. While Nigeria certainly needs international assistance to tackle its security issues, threats of invasion or war will only exacerbate the situation,” he stated.

Afenifere’s remarks come as global focus intensifies on Nigeria’s security challenges and the country’s growing diplomatic and economic relationships beyond traditional Western allies.