Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, has said that U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians should serve as a wake-up call to the country’s leaders.
Trump recently accused Nigeria of “systematic persecution” and “mass killings” of Christians, declaring the country a “Country of Particular Concern.”
He warned that the U.S. could impose sanctions, suspend aid, or take military steps to “protect Christians in Nigeria.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting that Nigeria remains a democratic nation governed by a constitution that guarantees freedom of religion and belief.
Despite Tinubu’s assurances, Trump reportedly directed the U.S. Department of War to draft contingency plans for possible strikes in Nigeria, a move that has sparked intense diplomatic and public debate.
Speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of journalist Reuben Abati and the launch of his new books in Lagos on Friday, Bishop Kukah urged Nigerian leaders to see Trump’s remarks as an opportunity for introspection rather than outrage.
“Whether it is Trump or whoever that has given us this jab, it is time for Nigeria to wake up,” Kukah said.
He described Trump’s warning as a symptom of Nigeria’s deeper problems, rather than the problem itself.
“All of us are confusing Trump with a sickness. Trump is a symptom of the disease that is in our country,” he stated.
According to him, Nigeria’s challenges, from insecurity to corruption and lack of unity, stem from the absence of strong institutions, moral vision, and national identity.
Kukah also lamented Nigeria’s limited cultural and historical landmarks, questioning what the country offers to visitors.
“If somebody wants to visit this country today, where will I take them to? In other countries, you can go and see where their president lives or where their leaders are buried. But in Nigeria, you cannot see where the president is,” he said.
He called for a national “reloading”, a renewal of values and leadership focus, to rebuild faith in the nation.
“We need to reload. You reload because either you didn’t fire your gun, or the object moved. But we must ask ourselves: who are the true Nigerian statesmen whose names resonate across this country without contradiction?” he added.
Kukah said Nigeria’s response to internal crises should be driven by self-examination and decisive leadership rather than external pressure.
