By Passman Akpos
Abuja, – The Nigerian Senate has announced plans to hold a high-level meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key members of the executive arm to address the growing diplomatic tension sparked by recent comments from United States President Donald Trump.
Trump, in a statement that has since stirred global debate, accused the Nigerian government of committing “genocide against Christians” and warned that the U.S. could consider “direct intervention” if the alleged killings were not stopped. The remarks have been widely condemned by Nigerian officials as “reckless” and “unfounded,” but have nonetheless strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while addressing lawmakers during plenary on Tuesday, said the upper chamber is deeply concerned about the potential implications of the U.S. president’s statements on Nigeria’s international image, security partnerships, and bilateral cooperation.
> “The Senate will engage with President Tinubu and relevant members of the executive to review the situation comprehensively. We must protect Nigeria’s sovereignty, defend our nation’s integrity, and ensure that misinformation does not jeopardize our foreign relations,” Akpabio stated.
He added that the National Assembly’s Committee on Foreign Affairs had been directed to liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to compile a report on the diplomatic fallout and recommend immediate measures to de-escalate tensions.
Several senators also called for calm, urging the government to address the root causes of religious violence while maintaining open communication with international partners. Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) described Trump’s comments as “a dangerous exaggeration that could incite division,” while Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) cautioned against dismissing the matter lightly, emphasizing that “Nigeria must respond with facts, not emotions.”
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja has yet to issue an official response to the controversy, though sources within the diplomatic community suggest that Washington officials are seeking to clarify the context of President Trump’s remarks.
The planned meeting between the Senate leadership, President Tinubu, and the executive cabinet is expected to take place later this week as Nigeria moves to stabilize its diplomatic ties with the United States and reaffirm its commitment to human rights and religious freedom.
