By Muhammad Mamman
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG),has cautioned United States President Donald Trump against making threats against Nigeria, insisting that the country remains a sovereign nation and not a client state.
Last week, Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians, and hinted at possible military intervention “to save our cherished Christians.”
Although President Bola Tinubu maintained that religious violence had no place in the country, Trump accused the government of turning a blind eye to killings and directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare potential action in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, CNG National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, described Trump’s remarks as provocative and unacceptable.
He said, “Keep your threats to yourself. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, not a client state. We welcome dialogue based on facts and mutual respect, not bombast and blackmail.”
Charanchi urged the Federal Government to take coordinated measures to end insecurity, particularly in the North.
“Enough of complacency. Nigeria must defend its citizens, its sovereignty and its dignity,” he said.
The group accused Amnesty International and local activists of weaponising human rights for political gain, alleging that Nigerian tragedies were being manipulated to suit Western narratives.
“To the international community, rather than fueling false narratives of religious conflict, channel your attention toward fostering good governance and holding accountable those truly destabilising Nigeria—corrupt politicians, compromised judges, reckless governors, ministers, parastatal heads and civil servants,” Charanchi added.
He appealed to Nigerians to reject attempts to sow division along religious lines.
“Unity is our greatest defence. Muslims and Christians alike must reject foreign manipulation. Our fight is not against each other but against insecurity, poverty and bad governance.”
Charanchi warned that failure to safeguard national stability could plunge Nigeria and the wider Sahel region into deeper chaos.
“The international community must choose to support Nigeria’s stability or inflame its fragility,” he said.
He concluded by praying for victims of violence and urging leaders to steer the country toward peace and justice.
