Trump’s threat: Nigeria needs cooperation, not confrontation -Reno Omokri.

A former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has said that Nigeria at the moment needs cooperation rather than confrontation.
He made this statement in a post via his verified X handle on Sunday in reaction to the threat of US President Donald Trump.

Trump had asked the Defence Department to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians”.

Reacting, Omokri said that the extremists are not just enemies of Nigerian Muslims, Christians, as well as Nigerians of other faiths, but are also threats to world peace.

“Nigeria is my country, and I love my country and extend the right hand of fellowship to the government and people of Nigeria, and to President Bola Tinubu, as the government of Nigeria works to serve Nigeria and all her people, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds.

“I call on the international community to support Nigeria in achieving its security objectives by providing intelligence and other assistance, so that our gallant armed forces, who have worked arm in arm with the armed forces of the United States in places like Liberia and other conflict zones, can create a safe environment for all Nigerians.

“These extremists are not just enemies of Nigerian Muslims, Christians, as well as Nigerians of other faiths, they are also threats to world peace, and Nigeria needs cooperation at this moment to deal with them, rather than confrontation,” he wrote.

'Nigerian Muslims Also Victims’ — Vatican Cardinal Counters Christian Genocide Claim.

Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s insecurity is rooted in religion, saying the violence is driven mainly by social and economic factors.

Speaking in Rome during the presentation of a report on religious freedom by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Parolin cited farmer-herder clashes in north-central Nigeria as an example of non-religious causes of conflict.

“Many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance,” he said. “These are extremist groups that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals. They use violence against anyone they see as an opponent.”

At a parallel launch of the ACN report in the UK parliament, John Bakeni, Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, agreed that the causes of violence are complex pointing to poverty, climate change, and land competition but noted that some attacks clearly carry a religious tone, targeting churches, priests, and Christian symbols “with impunity.”

Their remarks come amid rising global concern and claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria an allegation the federal government continues to reject.

Following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Rome, Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to former US President Donald Trump, also dismissed the genocide narrative, stressing that terrorists are killing more Muslims than Christians. He said the US would continue to support Nigeria in tackling insecurity.

Islamism isn’t aimed at seizing power — Sultan of Sokoto says, stressing that Islam is about promoting good governance in society.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to rise above religious divides and embrace unity in order to build a stronger country.

He made this call in Abuja on Friday during the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor.

The Sultan explained that Islam should not be misconstrued as a quest for political power but rather as a faith built on justice, fairness and good governance. “Islamism is not aimed at seizing power at any particular forum. Islam is after good governance in society,” he stated.

He cited the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure, noting that Muslims gave him full support without bias. “President Goodluck Jonathan was President; we gave him 100 per cent support.

Throughout his presidency, nobody said anything negative against him; he knows that, and he is here. So, Islamism is not what you think it is. It is a wrong notion… We’re after good governance,” the monarch said.

The Sultan, regarded as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, also emphasized that Islam has a clear code of conduct that rejects v+olence and fanaticism. “We have ways and means of life. Anybody coming outside these to say things that he really doesn’t know about is not for Islam because Islam abhors extremism. You cannot be an extremist and then claim to be a good Muslim,” he stressed.

He cautioned Nigerians to be mindful of their words when discussing insecurity, warning that careless statements could further divide the country. Instead, he called for unity, saying: “Let’s come closer as one big family with different backgrounds to forge ahead to make this country a better country, because there is nothing anybody can do.”

According to him, his interventions on governance and national issues are never targeted at individuals but are guided by the conviction that religion must always promote justice, peace and social harmony.

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU ON THE OCCASION OF 2025 EID-EL-KABIR

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nigerian Muslims and the global Muslim Ummah as we celebrate this year's Eid-el-Kabir.

Eid-el-Kabir represents the high point of the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a period filled with opportunities for acts of worship and good deeds. It is a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation. While this festival is marked with joy and celebration, its true significance lies much deeper: Eid calls us to reflect on its core values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness.

To truly honour Eid, we must embody these virtues, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) exemplified complete submission to Allah's will and as our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us. Let this sacred occasion renew our commitment to these ideals.

Eid-el-Kabir also reminds us of our responsibilities beyond faith: to show resilience, tolerance, compassion, and dedication to the progress of our beloved country. I reaffirm my commitment to these values and express my deep appreciation for the faith, patience, and perseverance Nigerians show as we implement bold reforms. Together, we have weathered challenging times and are approaching a brighter horizon.

Though the journey has not been easy, and some doubted our direction, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the steadfast support of most Nigerians, is yielding results. I assure you that the toughest days are behind us. We are entering a new era of renewed hope and prosperity that we promised two years ago.

We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits.

The ultimate objective of these reforms is not just to improve statistics but to transform lives and set Nigeria firmly on the path to sustainable development. There are no quick fixes, but we are committed to repairing the foundations of our economy once and for all. Our administration will continue acting in the nation's best interest, ensuring that the gains we are recording translate into improving people's lives.

We crafted our Renewed Hope Agenda to bring prosperity to every Nigerian, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of it. As we celebrate today, remember that Eid-el-Kabir enjoins love, compassion, and generosity for all, regardless of faith or background. Let us care for one another's well-being during this season and always.

In this instance, I recall recent sad developments in our country, particularly the Wednesday, May 28 heavy flooding, which submerged the market town of Mokwa, Niger State, causing deaths and destruction of properties and creating an untold humanitarian crisis. Let us pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and fortitude for their relations. Let us join hands with the government to bring succour to the people of Mokwa.

Finally, as we observe this Eid, let us continue our prayers for our front-line officers, who risk their lives for our safety and security.

Let us pray for our leaders at all levels and our country. Let us pray for peace in our tumultuous world of troubles and uncertainties. Let us dedicate this sacred celebration to seeking God's guidance and blessings for our country.

May those who have more remember those in need, sharing kindness and support as true brothers and sisters. Let the virtues of perseverance, sacrifice, loyalty, faith, and shared humanity bind us closer.

May the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha multiply in our lives and the life of our great nation. May Almighty Allah accept our worship and devotion as acts of Ibadah, and may His blessings be with us always.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President & Commander-in-Chief,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
June 5, 2025