• Claims US President using ‘Christian genocide’ narrative as cover • Sanwo-Olu urges calm, defence of government

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has alleged that the recent threat by United States President Donald Trump to invade Nigeria under the guise of combating terrorism is a veiled attempt to pressure President Bola Tinubu over economic and political disagreements.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, Afenifere dismissed Trump’s allegation that the Nigerian government is complicit in the killing of Christians by bandits, describing it as baseless and mischievous.

“The claim is not only unfounded but also an attempt to give a dog a bad name in order to justify killing it,” Ajayi said.

Afenifere argued that Trump’s stance was driven by economic motives, claiming the U.S. leader was seeking to pressure Nigeria into opening more economic channels for American interests and purchasing more U.S.-made goods, especially weapons.

“By sounding so harsh, Mr. Trump hopes to get President Tinubu to negotiate with him to gain deeper access to Nigeria’s economy,” the group said. “Nigeria’s growing ties with China appear not to sit well with the United States. Beyond that, some American interests are uncomfortable with the principled positions of the Tinubu administration on certain issues.”

Ajayi stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation and that its internal security matters are being addressed through various government measures.

“Government is not resting on its oars. The President’s decision to change security chiefs is part of efforts to strengthen the fight against insecurity,” he stated.

The Afenifere spokesman also dismissed ongoing claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, explaining that terrorist groups target communities indiscriminately for economic gain rather than religious reasons.

“It is not that people are not being killed, but bandits and terrorists do not discriminate. Their target is the economy. Sponsors of these criminals are after mineral resources — they create chaos in resource-rich areas to displace communities and then exploit the land,” he added.

Ajayi further cautioned Nigerians against making statements that could worsen tensions or justify external interference.

“We must be careful about what we say or write about our country. Threatening Nigeria with war will not solve its problems; it will only worsen the situation,” he said.

He also criticised Trump’s reported decision to rename the U.S. Department of Defense to the “Department of War,” saying it reflected a combative posture that Nigeria should not encourage.

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Sanwo-Olu Calls for Calm, Urges Citizens to Defend Government

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

Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration hands-on device/application at Lagos House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu urged citizens to rally behind the Tinubu administration.

“The Dangote Refinery, with its 650,000 barrels per day capacity, must be protected — billions of dollars have gone into it. Our President is taking the right decisions, and though some may not understand them now, they are for the nation’s good,” he said.

He also referenced the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), saying its implementation should not be undermined by external interests who may have lost out due to Nigeria’s drive for local refining.

“Let us be proud and defend this government. They are doing the right things, and as we do so, God will continue to be with us,” the governor added.