The Ijaw National Congress, INC, has called on President Donald Trump of the United States to show respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
This is in view of Trump’s threat to deploy American special forces to protect the interests of Christians in northern Nigeria against any threat from terrorist groups.
The President of the group, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, made this call on Wednesday while speaking against the backdrop of the ongoing debate over the alleged Christian genocide in some parts of northern Nigeria.
“As the President of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, I align with the general sentiment of Nigerians who reject foreign intervention and uphold national sovereignty,” he said.
Okaba urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to consider the window of international attention on Nigeria as a great opportunity to put things right, especially in the area of security of lives and property of citizens, irrespective of religious or political affiliations.
He also stressed the need for dialogue between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States to proffer a solution to the impending diplomatic impasse.
“Given the context, I emphasize the importance of dialogue and cooperation while ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s interests and territorial integrity.
The Nigerian government has already expressed willingness to work with the US in fighting terrorism, as long as it respects the country’s sovereignty,” he added.
Recall that on Sunday, President Trump made it clear that he would not hesitate to send troops to Nigeria to wipe away the “Islamist terrorist” group so that Christians in the country would be protected to practice their chosen religion without any threat or molestation.
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