Anambra Governor Soludo Faults Trump’s Military Threat Against Nigeria, Says America Can’t Lecture Africa On Human Rights

 

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has denounced recent remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution and killing of Christians. The governor described Trump’s outburst as a “gross distortion” of Nigeria’s security situation and a reckless misrepresentation of the country’s complex internal challenges.

Speaking during a media chat on Sunday, November 2, Soludo stated that the insecurity plaguing Nigeria is far from being a simple religious war. According to him, the problems are multidimensional, involving criminality, poverty, political grievances, and ethnic tensions that cannot be neatly categorized as Christians versus Muslims. He urged the international community, especially global leaders, to engage Nigeria with understanding and diplomacy rather than threats and inflammatory rhetoric.

The governor expressed strong disapproval of Trump’s reported post on Truth Social, where the former American leader allegedly threatened to “go into Nigeria guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.” Trump also reportedly directed the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action,” comments that have since provoked global outrage and widespread condemnation.

Soludo described Trump’s posture as an unnecessary provocation that disregards Nigeria’s sovereignty and the complexities of its domestic affairs. He emphasized that the Nigerian government is actively working to contain security challenges and that such external threats only worsen diplomatic relations. “The security challenges in Nigeria go beyond a conflict between Muslims and Christians. Trump’s threat to ‘protect Christians in Nigeria’ distorts the actual issues on the ground,” he said.

He further cautioned that if foreign assistance is ever required, it should come through official cooperation such as requests for intelligence, military equipment, or technical support, not through unilateral threats or interference. Soludo stressed that Nigeria must not be treated as a nation incapable of handling its internal affairs, reminding foreign powers to act responsibly within the bounds of international law.

Drawing a parallel with racial tensions in the United States, Soludo questioned the logic behind Trump’s comments. He argued that if the world applied similar reasoning, African countries would have been justified to threaten America during the height of the #BlackLivesMatter protests, when several black citizens were killed by police officers. “I am not quite sure if you have policemen killing some blacks. I remember the #BlackLivesMatter protest, and somebody would say maybe Africa should go and invade America because blacks are being killed? I’m not quite sure,” he said with a tone of irony.

The governor maintained that dialogue, not confrontation, remains the most effective path to sustainable peace. He encouraged Nigerian leaders to keep engaging with international partners but to insist on mutual respect and accurate representation of facts. According to him, national unity, open communication, and an honest appraisal of security realities are essential to overcoming the country’s current difficulties.

Soludo added that America, like every other sovereign nation, has the right to express its views on global matters but must ensure its actions do not breach international protocols or undermine another country’s independence. “As a country, America has its own rights to have its own views about what is going on elsewhere. But when it comes to what it does, I am sure it must also act within the realm of international law,” he remarked.

His comments come amid rising diplomatic tension following Trump’s remarks, which many global observers have described as reckless and inflammatory. Nigerian officials and political figures across party lines have condemned the former U.S. president’s statement, labeling it an unhelpful intrusion that trivializes Nigeria’s sovereignty. Several international analysts have also warned that such rhetoric could destabilize relations between Washington and Abuja if not swiftly addressed through diplomatic dialogue.

Soludo’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among African leaders who have often criticized Western nations for approaching African security matters with bias and limited understanding. He reiterated that Nigeria’s problems require nuanced and homegrown solutions rooted in inclusiveness, good governance, and economic empowerment rather than foreign intervention or moral lectures.

The Anambra governor concluded by reaffirming his belief in Nigeria’s resilience and capacity to overcome its internal crises. He emphasized that despite current challenges, the nation remains committed to democratic principles, unity, and peaceful coexistence. “It must end in conversation, and I am sure the government of Nigeria will respond robustly. Nigeria is such a big country, and the government is doing a whole lot to safeguard it,” he assured.

Trump’s threat, although not officially endorsed by the current U.S. administration, has stirred significant debate across diplomatic circles. Many analysts view it as another example of populist rhetoric that undermines international cooperation. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s federal government is expected to issue an official response aimed at reinforcing its sovereignty while calling for constructive engagement with its international partners.

At a time when global attention is focused on peace and human rights, Soludo’s intervention stands as a reminder that nations must pursue understanding over aggression and diplomacy over threats.