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Ndume Urges Tinubu to Engage US After Trump’s Designation of Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’

Ndume Urges Tinubu to Engage US After Trump’s Designation of Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’

*Laments FG, Senate’s delay in taking prompt action earlier

*Recommends high-level lobbying Involving seasoned diplomats

Sunday Aborisade, Abuja

Senate Leader in the 8th National Assembly and former Chief Whip in the 10th Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, has urged the President Bola Tinubu administration to urgently open diplomatic channels with Washington following the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

Ndume, who represents Borno Central Senatorial District, warned that failure to address the issue swiftly could have grave diplomatic and economic consequences for Nigeria, including sanctions, restrictions on security cooperation, and damage to the nation’s global image.

His reaction followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent post on his Truth Social handle, later shared on the official White House X account, declaring Nigeria a “country of particular concern” due to what he described as “an ongoing Christian genocide.”

Trump had claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” alleging that thousands of Christians were being killed by “radical Islamists” and calling for an immediate congressional investigation into the matter.

Trump wrote, “When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’”

Under U.S. law, a “Country of Particular Concern” is one whose government has engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom or human rights. Such a designation carries serious implications, including visa bans for senior officials, suspension of security assistance, restrictions on arms sales, and limits on trade or aid.

The designation could also impact Nigeria’s bilateral relations and its access to multilateral funding from international institutions that often align with U.S. foreign policy priorities.

Nigeria was first placed on the CPC list in 2020 during Trump’s presidency but was delisted under the Joe Biden administration. Its reinstatement, now under Trump’s renewed influence in Washington, signals a potential return to strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In a statement he personally signed and released in Abuja on Saturday, Ndume, who was Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army in the 9th Assembly, accused both the Federal Government and the Nigerian Senate of failing to act promptly after U.S. Congressman Riley Moore raised the same concern weeks earlier.

Ndume said, “I have alerted the government before now; I even moved a motion in the Senate.

“Nigeria is a sovereign state, but we cannot afford to ignore this kind of misrepresentation. It’s not about what the United States can do to us, but the misconception and the ripple effects of classifying us as a country of concern.”

The senator said the government’s lack of proactive engagement gave room for the U.S. to act unilaterally without hearing Nigeria’s side of the story.

Ndume said, “We should engage the American government by presenting facts and figures. We should demand that they hear from the Nigerian government and from the Muslim community.

“The killings are not targeted at Christians alone, Muslims and other Nigerians have also been victims. The violence is driven by terrorism, not religion.”

Ndume urged the Tinubu administration to deploy Nigeria’s most experienced diplomats and international statesmen to lead the engagement with Washington and other global actors.

He said, “Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage seasoned diplomats like Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, and Amina Mohammed of the United Nations.They can help us explain the realities on the ground.”

He further advised the government to work closely with the U.S. embassy in Abuja, noting that American officials based in Nigeria already possess credible intelligence on the complexity of the country’s security situation.

Ndume said, “We can change the narrative by ensuring that Nigeria is not tagged a ‘country of particular concern’ but perhaps a ‘country of special concern, one that needs support and partnership.

“That way, the U.S. can assist us with arms, intelligence, and other resources to combat terrorism more effectively,” he added.

Experts and analysts had argued that Nigeria’s re-designation could affect ongoing military cooperation with the U.S., particularly in the fight against Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The move may also influence future foreign investments and travel advisories, affecting Nigeria’s global economic outlook.

Diplomatic observers, however, noted that the U.S. decision could still be reversed if Abuja demonstrates measurable commitment to addressing issues of religious violence, human rights, and protection of minority groups.

Ndume, who is from the Boko Haram-ravaged communities in Bornu State, emphasized that while the U.S. has the right to express concern over human rights, Nigeria must defend its sovereignty and reputation through facts and diplomacy.

He said, “The good thing about America is that if they know the truth, they will stick to it. Our government must not be passive. We must engage them constructively, clear the misconceptions, and reaffirm that Nigeria remains a nation committed to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.”

As Abuja weighs its next steps, the controversy underscores the delicate balance Nigeria must maintain, between acknowledging its internal security challenges and protecting its international image in an era of heightened global scrutiny.

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*Laments FG, Senate’s delay in taking prompt action earlier *Recommends high-level lobbying Involving seasoned diplomats Sunday Aborisade, Abuja Senate Leader in the 8th National Assembly and former Chief Whip in

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South-east Business Leaders Meet Sanwo-Olu to Strengthen Collaboration with Lagos Govt

South-east Business Leaders Meet Sanwo-Olu to Strengthen Collaboration with Lagos Govt

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Prominent business leaders from the South-east region have paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in order to strengthen collaboration between the government and private sector investors.
The delegation which was led by the
Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite who lauded Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and the remarkable strides his administration has made in advancing the development of Lagos State.
She said, “It’s always a pleasure to be in Lagos, a city that truly never sleeps, and one that continues to lead the way in innovation, enterprise, and economic growth.”
She stated that her visit was to first bring warm greetings and deep appreciation from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun for “your outstanding leadership and for the remarkable strides your administration continues to make — not only in advancing the development of Lagos State, but also in supporting the broader national agenda for economic growth and fiscal stability in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.”
According to her, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu particularly values the strong spirit of collaboration and partnership that Lagos has consistently shown towards the federal vovernment through its pragmatic governance, forward-thinking reforms, and active cooperation on key initiatives such as the Lagos Green Line Metro Rail Project.
A statement issued by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Finance,
Mohammed Manga said the minister commended the governor, adding he had demonstrated that when the federal and state governments work together, progress is both achievable and sustainable.
.Uzoka-Anite explained that the purpose of the visit was to comply with the presidential directives, which instructed all the ministers to immediately commence engagement with relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring economic growth and development.
She added that the visit was to also inform the governor about “an initiative we are very excited about — the Government and Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series.”
“The idea behind the GPS Dialogue is simple but powerful: to create a regular, open space where government officials and private sector leaders can sit together, share perspectives, and design practical solutions for the challenges and opportunities before us,” the minister said.
She expressed the federal government’s readiness to collaborate with Lagos State in hosting the inaugural edition of GPS
The minister informed that the second purpose of the visit was to “tell you more about some of the distinguished business leaders from the South east who are based here in Lagos and have graciously joined me on this visit.
“They are a shining example of the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit, people who have made Lagos their home and are contributing daily to its growth. Each of them represents a generation of business leaders who believe deeply in Nigeria’s potential and in the power of partnership with government.*
While reaffirming the federal government’s
unwavering commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, broadening access to finance, and strengthening partnership with the Lagos State Government on transformative business and regulatory reforms.
Responding, Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos State Government will continue to partner with the federal government, captains of industry and indeed all relevant stakeholders with a view to improving the lives of Nigerians.
He thanked the Minister for choosing Lagos to host the maiden edition of GPS while also reaffirming his administration’s support to all Nigerias to thrive with equity, justice and honesty.

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Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Prominent business leaders from the South-east region have paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in order to strengthen collaboration

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Road Infrastructure: CUPP Commends Tinubu, Applauds Umahi’s Hands-on Approach to Project Delivery 

Road Infrastructure: CUPP Commends Tinubu, Applauds Umahi’s Hands-on Approach to Project Delivery 

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has acknowledged what it described as impressive road infrastructure projects by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Coalition, which rated the current administration “very good” in the area of road infrastructure, said it came to the conclusion after a painstaking assessment of work done in various sectors of the Nigerian economy in the last two years.

The foremost opposition voice disclosed this in a press release, signed by the Coalition’s National Spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, on Saturday in Abuja, after an inspection of the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road, among others.

Members of the steering committee of the CUPP, who were on the independent inspection team, said their intention was to go by themselves to assess the situation across key zones, so as to be able to counter the Federal Government’s propaganda in that sector.

They, however, affirmed that what they met on ground was so impressive that there was no way anyone who had the interest of the country at heart would play politics with such positive findings.

Those who were on the inspection tour were Barrister Emeka Benjamin Igwe, a member of the Steering Committee of CUPP; Mrs. Grace Ishaku, Steering Committee member; Dr. Abayọmi Runsewe, Steering Committee Member; Ambassador Abbah Lewis, Steering Committee member, and National Spokesperson, Adebayo, among others.

The CUPP Spokesperson stated, “As 2025 draws to a close, coalition members have been analysing work done in various sectors of the Nigerian economy under the current administration.

“This is necessary for constructive criticism of the activities of the Federal Government and to task both leaders and the electorate ahead of the 2027 election.  
 
“As part of the ongoing assessment, members of the steering committee of the CUPP conducted an on-the-spot independent assessment of some of the ongoing road projects in a few parts of the country in order to separate facts from government propaganda.
 
“We might have set out initially to puncture claims of achievements by the All Progressives Congress government, especially in infrastructure development, but the impression we got in this first phase of our nationwide inspection was very positive. 

“To foster the kind of development that citizens desire for Nigeria, opposition members must acknowledge when something is being done right.” 
 
“This is why we are stating, emphatically, that, after this first phase of our independent inspection of road projects, we can safely conclude that President Bola Tinubu has done very well with road infrastructure, and kudos goes to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi,” Barr. Benjamin noted.

The opposition spokesperson added, “From our assessment of various sectors, so far, Umahi is inarguably the hardest working minister in the current administration, many factors considered. The many road construction and rehabilitation projects that are ongoing simultaneously across this country are incredibly vast and ambitious in scope. 
 
“Even as opposition, if you see a positive development in the activities of the government, you should say it. Everything is not about criticism and condemnation. Constructive criticism also entails acknowledging good works where available.

“We are also impressed by the humaneness recently displayed by the Minister when he sent a delegation from the Works Ministry to condole with the people of Essan Community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, following the recent tragic tanker explosion that claimed several lives and destroyed properties.
 
“He sent the delegation, not only to deliver the Federal Government’s message of sympathy, but to also assure the community that the road would be fixed promptly. That was a demonstration of purposeful leadership.”
 
The Coalition members took turns to explain that, from their field findings, it was discovered that contractors were on-site working on multifarious road projects across the country and applying new methods of road construction that combined concrete with iron for durability and higher carriage capacity in many places.

The CUPP stated, “Such roads where contractors are fully on-site include: the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway; Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (Phase 1); Benin–Shagamu–Ore road; Enugu–Onitsha Expressway; Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road, currently undergoing dualisation, using concrete technology.
 
“Before the year runs out, we plan to embark on more on-site assessment tours and give practical feedback to the public and necessary advice to the government on our observations where necessary. 
 
“From our practical performance indicator analysis, we can safely say that if the government continues to apply the current energy and needed resources to Nigeria’s road networks, the bad roads syndrome that has been a nightmare for the country for a long time would be a thing of the past.

“The Minister has demonstrated that a Works Minister’s job is on the field and not in air-conditioned offices. He is always seen on the road carrying out inspection and giving professional instructions

“As they say, seeing is believing. We have gone to see. From what we have observed so far, the current administration is working well in that area. Senator David Umahi may end up being the best Works Minister so far if he continues with his current trajectory. This sector is one where President Tinubu has definitely scored very high.”
 
“However, we like to remind the  government that every Nigerian reserves the right to harmlessly observe government projects as part of citizens’ civic responsibilities without harassment from security agencies. It provides an alternative feedback mechanism of government activities to the public,” the Coalition noted.

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The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has acknowledged what it described as impressive road infrastructure projects by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Coalition, which rated the

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Town Union Leaders Decry Demolition of Igbo Property, Assets in Lagos, Flay FG for Ominous Silence

Town Union Leaders Decry Demolition of Igbo Property, Assets in Lagos, Flay FG for Ominous Silence

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The demolition of property and assets owned by Igbos in Lagos has continued to attract condemnations and anger with groups and individuals faulting the rationale behind it.

In its reaction to the sad development in Lagos, the Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) expressed disappointment at the federal government’s indifference and  “ominous silence” on the plight of Igbo property owners in Lagos.

The leadership of ASITU made the association’s stance known at a press conference in Umuahia over the “inhuman and unending demolition” of properties belonging to Igbos in Lagos State.

They described the demolition policy as discriminatory, callous, and done without due process, adding that federal government has no reason to stay aloof given that the action of Lagos State government was a threat to national unity.

President of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, who addressed journalists, noted that the systematic demolitions had commenced in February with the destruction of trading plazas owned by Igbos at Ebute Ero Market.

He stated that the targeted demolitions shifted to the Trade Fair Complex in September “with much intensity as agents of the Lagos State government continued the destruction of Igbo livelihoods and economic survival.”

“Our people in Lagos are in agony. They are suffering; they are crying,” Diwe said, adding that the economic wound inflicted on Ndigbo “is so painful and we want the world to hear our cry, we want the world to feel our pain.”

He said that the reasons adduced by the Lagos State government for wreaking havoc in Igbo property and assets ring hollow as the way and manner the demolitions were done smacked of being politically motivated.

“We do not dispute the government’s right to ensure orderly urban development. What we dispute, and what we categorically reject, is the selective, discriminatory, and often extrajudicial manner in which these demolitions have been carried out.”

He argued that “many of the demolished properties had valid approvals issued by the very same Lagos State government that later turned around and destroyed them.

“Owners who followed due process, who paid their fees, who waited for stamps and signatures (of approvals), now stand amid ruins, asking one simple question: ‘why?’

According to him, in situations where notices were given to the property owners, “they were often too brief for meaningful legal responses. Where documentation was presented, it was dismissed or ignored. Where owners attempted to regularise perceived deficiencies they were met with bulldozers instead of bureaucrats.”

The ASITU leader stated the destruction of Igbo-owned property in Lagos undermines the quest for nation building, national unity, peace and cohesion.

He pointed out that it was this kind of targeted mistreatment of Igbos that stokes feelings of alienation and rejection hence the issue of Biafra self-determination.

“It is necessary to speak plainly about something that weighs down every Igbo: our people love Nigeria. Let no one doubt this. Let no one twist our cries for justice into calls for secession.

“We have built Nigeria. In every corner of this nation, from Sokoto to Calabar, from Maiduguri to Badagry, you will find Ig o men and women who have invested not just their money, but their very lives into the Nigerian dream”.

Diwe lamented that Ndigbo continue to suffer discrimination and rejection in Nigeria despite the fact that no other ethnic group in Nigeria has so thoroughly embraced the idea of a unified Nigerian state through their actions, their investments, and their presence everywhere.

“We are the glue that binds this nation together,” he said, adding that “while others see Nigeria as a collection of regions, they see it as one country, one economy, one shared destiny.

“That is why we spread across every state, building, investing, employing, and integrating. We marry your daughters and give you our sons. We speak your language and respect your customs. We celebrate Nigeria’s di easily because we live it very single day.”

The ASITU  President warned that while the Lagos State government is gleefully and intentionally destroying Igbo investments, it is at the same time mounting assault on the very principles of nation building and cohesion that its founding fathers envisioned.”

He queried, “How do we build one Nigeria when citizens are afraid to invest outside their ethnic homelands? How do we preach unity when investments in one state becomes a liability rather than an asset? How do we achieve economic development when productive enterprise is destroyed without due process?”

Diwe said that the demolitions in Lagos have sent “a chilling message to every entrepreneur in Nigeria (that) your legal documents mean nothing; your approvals can be revoked arbitrarily; your investments are not secure; your ethnicity may determine your fate.”

While calling on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the Lagos State government to halt the demolitions and pay compensations as applicable, ASITU profusely thanked Yorubas that have stood against injustice.

“Many Yoruba people are appalled by these demolitions. Many Yoruba professionals, lawyers, journalists, activists have spoken out against the injustice. We acknowledge and appreciate this.

“Our quarrel is not with the Yoruba people. Our quarrel is with unjust government policy, with discriminatory enforcement, with violation of constitutional rights,” the Town Union leaders said.

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Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The demolition of property and assets owned by Igbos in Lagos has continued to attract condemnations and anger with groups and individuals faulting the rationale behind it.