The Presidency on Sunday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is “well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America,” in apparent reference to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who threatened possible military action against Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the comment in a statement on X, defending the President’s proactive leadership and security reforms.
Trump had on Saturday claimed the Nigerian government was not doing enough to protect Christians, announcing that the United States had directed its Department of War to “prepare for possible action” and that all aid to Nigeria would be suspended.
Reacting, Onanuga said Tinubu had already taken decisive measures to strengthen national security, including appointing new service chiefs and setting clear expectations for results-driven leadership.
“President Bola Tinubu was well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America as he told the new service chiefs on Thursday what Nigerians expect of them. No more excuses, he said. Nigerians want results,” Onanuga stated.
The President had earlier charged the new military leadership to act with “patriotic zeal,” be “innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous,” and deploy technology to outsmart emerging threats.
“Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South,” Tinubu had said.
“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”
Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, confirmed that Tinubu and Trump are expected to meet soon to discuss the alleged religious violence and deepen counter-terrorism cooperation.
Bwala noted that Trump had previously supported Nigeria by approving arms sales, which Tinubu’s administration has effectively utilised to achieve significant progress in the fight against terrorism.
“Both President Bola Tinubu and President Donald Trump have shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala said.
“As for the differences as to whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or all faiths, those differences will be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days — either at the State House or the White House.”
