Comrade Daniel Onjeh, former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Project Development Institute (PRODA) and 2023 APC senatorial candidate for Benue South, has expressed concern over recent statements attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he hinted at possible military action against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution.

Onjeh described the comments as alarming, noting that such rhetoric fuels longstanding perceptions of Nigeria as a country struggling to manage its internal challenges. He stressed that while the statement was not an official government declaration, it contributes to a lingering sense of foreign scrutiny and misrepresentation.

Acknowledging the real issues highlighted, including killings and insecurity, Onjeh said Nigerians across all faiths are affected. “Terrorism in Nigeria has not spared anyone. Christians have been killed. Muslims have been killed. Traditional worshippers have been killed. Even those with no religion have been killed. What the country is facing is not a religious war, but a national assault on every citizen, regardless of faith or background,” he stated.

Onjeh further argued that portraying Nigeria’s crisis solely as religious persecution risks deepening divisions and aiding terrorists. Citing examples from other conflict zones such as Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Somalia, he warned against repeating the mistakes of foreign military intervention that left those countries destabilized.

He drew a distinction between intervention and invasion, emphasizing that Nigeria has not requested foreign military assistance, and any external deployment without consent would constitute an invasion.

“What Nigeria truly needs is support to strengthen its own security forces, not foreign boots on the ground,” Onjeh said. He called on the U.S. to facilitate access to modern weapons, intelligence sharing, and training for Nigerian security personnel, and to expose sponsors of terrorism, both local and foreign.

Onjeh concluded by urging Nigerians to unite behind the President, warning that political disagreements must not blind citizens to the threat of foreign interference. “Nigeria is open to friendship and partnership, but will not accept intimidation from any country, no matter how powerful. We need genuine support, not a forced rescue mission. We seek cooperation, not control, and progress, not destabilisation,” he affirmed.