Daniel Regha Defends Trump’s Comment, Citing Leadership Failure Across Nigeria’s Regions And Ethnic Lines

 

A fresh wave of controversy has swept across social media following comments attributed to former United States President Donald Trump, who recently described Nigeria as “that now disgraced country.” The remark, which has sparked heated debate, came amid Trump’s warning to the Nigerian government to take immediate action against what he called an ongoing genocide targeting Christians. He further hinted that the US might cut off aid to Nigeria and could even intervene militarily if the situation persisted.

This statement quickly ignited widespread reactions from Nigerians at home and abroad. While many condemned Trump’s choice of words as disrespectful and insensitive, others, like well-known social media commentator Daniel Regha, argued that the former American leader was not entirely wrong. Regha took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday to share his perspective, claiming that Nigeria’s current global reputation reflects years of corruption, mismanagement, and failed leadership at all levels of governance.

According to Regha, Nigeria’s disgrace on the international stage did not originate from one ethnic group or administration but from a collective rot that has consumed the entire system. He emphasized that corruption has become deeply entrenched in every part of the country, cutting across all states and ethnic identities. The outspoken commentator named several ethnic groups, asserting that leaders representing the Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Urhobo, and other tribes have all contributed to the decline by prioritizing personal gain over the welfare of their citizens.

Regha’s statement read, “Nigeria is a disgraced country today as a result of bad leadership from all regions. Corruption is found in every state and local government; and all ethnicities are involved.” He further explained that past administrations had failed to address these systemic problems, while the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also faltering due to the silence of representatives who should be speaking on behalf of their people.

The commentator accused state governments of showing a lack of seriousness in solving regional issues, choosing instead to engage in political games that offer no real benefit to citizens. He reminded Nigerians that accountability does not lie solely with the federal government, as every state has its own assembly and leadership structure responsible for governance. “Before you shift the blame,” Regha cautioned, “remember that the State House of Assembly has your people in there, and State governance is by indigene.”

Trump’s remarks, which were reportedly made during a meeting with conservative Christian groups, have been interpreted by some analysts as part of his broader campaign to appeal to religious voters ahead of the next US presidential election. Nevertheless, the statement has stirred anger in diplomatic circles and among Nigerians who view it as an attack on the nation’s image.

Many political observers, however, believe that Trump’s criticism, though harsh, mirrors growing international frustration over Nigeria’s inability to curb religious violence and terrorism, especially in the northern region where attacks by extremist groups have persisted for over a decade. Human rights organizations and international watchdogs have repeatedly warned that the Nigerian government’s failure to protect vulnerable communities, particularly Christians and minority groups, has worsened the country’s already fragile security situation.

Amid the public uproar, Regha’s perspective has drawn both praise and backlash. Supporters of his view argue that his words reflect the bitter truth many Nigerians are unwilling to confront. They believe that unless the root causes of corruption and bad governance are addressed at every level, external criticism will continue to tarnish the country’s image. Others, however, accuse Regha of echoing foreign propaganda and failing to recognize the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape.

The debate continues to rage across various online platforms as Nigerians grapple with the implications of Trump’s statement and the uncomfortable realities highlighted by Regha’s commentary. While some call for restraint and diplomacy in handling Trump’s provocative words, others insist that this moment should serve as a wake-up call for both leaders and citizens to demand accountability, transparency, and effective governance.

What remains undeniable is that the controversy has once again placed Nigeria’s internal problems under global scrutiny. Trump’s “disgraced country” remark may have been intended as a warning, but it has also reignited conversations about the true state of Nigeria’s leadership and the shared responsibility of its people in shaping the nation’s destiny. Daniel Regha’s blunt assessment, though uncomfortable for many, reflects a growing sentiment among citizens who believe that the country’s redemption must begin with honest self-reflection and decisive action against corruption across all regions and tribes.