Former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa has urged President Bola Tinubu to steer clear of confrontation and adopt dialogue in managing tensions with US President Donald Trump.
Bafarawa issued the appeal on Tuesday in a statement shared with DAILY GAZETTE, following Trump’s recent threat of military action over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The former governor stressed that engagement, rather than confrontation, is in Nigeria’s best interest, noting the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
“I advise President Tinubu to avoid confrontation and reach out to the American government to present Nigeria’s perspective,” Bafarawa said.
“America and Nigeria are strategic partners in international politics and diplomacy. It is crucial for Nigeria to nurture and strengthen this enduring relationship.”
Bafarawa further called on Tinubu to take international concerns over Nigeria’s security seriously and intensify efforts to combat insurgency and criminality nationwide.
He also appealed to Nigerians to support the President in his efforts to stabilize and reposition the country.
“All Nigerians must come together to support President Tinubu, because his success is our success, and his failure is our failure. This support should transcend religion, ethnicity, region, and political affiliations,” he added.
The call comes after Trump labelled Nigeria as “a country of particular concern” and warned of possible military intervention should the alleged violence against Christians continue.
Bafarawa emphasized that stronger national security measures could help prevent situations that trigger such international scrutiny.
