LAGOS — The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has alleged that the recent threat by former United States President Donald Trump to invade Nigeria under the pretext of combating terrorism was a veiled attempt to pressure President Bola Tinubu over his policy directions and Nigeria’s growing economic alliances outside the West.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, Afenifere described Trump’s claim that the Nigerian government was complicit in the killing of Christians by bandits as “baseless and mischievous,” saying it was a strategy to “give a dog a bad name in order to hang it.”

Ajayi argued that the motives behind Trump’s position were primarily economic, citing concerns over Nigeria’s expanding ties with China and other non-Western powers.

“By sounding so harsh, Mr. Trump hopes to compel President Tinubu to negotiate with him for greater access to Nigeria’s economy and possibly to push Nigeria into buying more American goods, particularly weapons,” Ajayi said. “Some interests in the US are also uncomfortable with the principled positions of the Tinubu administration on certain issues.”

The Afenifere spokesman reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation, capable of handling its internal security challenges, adding that recent changes in security leadership showed the government’s commitment to strengthening national security.

On the allegation of genocide against Christians, Ajayi dismissed it as “factually inaccurate,” insisting that terrorists and bandits attack indiscriminately for economic rather than religious reasons.

“Their targets are economic interests. Those financing them are after Nigeria’s mineral resources. They instigate chaos in areas rich in minerals, displace residents, and then exploit the resources,” he explained.

Ajayi also urged Nigerians to avoid inflammatory remarks that could give external actors justification to destabilise the country.

“We must be cautious about what we say or write about our nation. Threatening war or invasion is not a way to help Nigeria; it only worsens the situation,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu Calls for Calm, Defends Tinubu’s Leadership

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday called on Nigerians to remain calm and defend the nation against any form of external threat.

Speaking at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration hands-on device/application at the Lagos House, Marina, the Governor—represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat—warned that Nigeria’s strategic investments must be protected.

“The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, must be safeguarded. The billions of dollars invested there are no joke,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Our President is taking the right decisions. Some may not understand, but we must stand firm, defend our government, and remain proud of our country. As we do so, God will continue to be with us.”

Sanwo-Olu further noted that policies such as the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) were long overdue and that ongoing reforms under President Tinubu were aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy for long-term sustainability.