A lawyer and public issues analyst, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has cautioned against calls for Nigeria to cut diplomatic relations with the United States of America.

This follows a verbal threat by President Donald Trump to take military action against terrorist enclaves in Nigeria over alleged genocide against Christians.

One of those calling for severance of relations with the US, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, urged President Bola Tinubu to summon the US Ambassador and demand a retraction of former President Donald Trump’s alleged threat of military action against Nigeria.

Gumi went further to insist that if the threat was not withdrawn, Nigeria should sever diplomatic relations with the United States.

But Ahiakwo cautioned that, “Severing diplomatic ties with the US would be a grave mistake. It could lead to the loss of foreign aid, intelligence sharing networks, and investment opportunities, further weakening Nigeria’s already fragile security and economic systems.

“Such an abrupt and confrontational action would likely escalate tensions and be interpreted by Washington as a hostile gesture, worsening relations rather than repairing them.”

The lawyer advised that instead of issuing ultimatums like ‘retract the threat or sever ties’, Nigeria should pursue a what he called calibrated diplomatic response.

Ahiakwo stated that summoning the U.S. Ambassador for clarification, engaging through established diplomatic channels, and leveraging multilateral platforms such as the African Union and the United Nations would project Nigeria as a mature and responsible member of the international community.

He advised that in times like these, diplomacy must triumph over emotion, stating that Nigeria’s foreign policy should be guided by national interest.

The lawyer advised against what he termed as populist outbursts, saying true patriotism demands measured reasoning.

He disclosed that Nigeria’s strength lies not in cutting ties but in cultivating partnerships that secure its people and protect its future.

Severing diplomatic ties with US would be grave for Nigeria – lawyer