By Daniel Abia
In view of the threat by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to deploy American special forces to protect the interests of Christians in northern Nigeria against any threat from terrorist groups, the Ijaw National Congress, INC, has called for caution over such a sensitive plan by the US government.
President of INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said Nigeria deserves respect in the comity of nations, whose sovereignty should not be undermined by any country, no matter how highly placed.
Speaking on the backdrop of the ongoing debate of alleged Christian genocide in some parts of northern Nigeria on Wednesday, Prof Okaba said, “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”.
Okaba, however, called on the Nigerian government to consider this window of international attention on Nigeria as a great opportunity to put things right, particularly in the area of the security of lives and property of the citizens, irrespective of religious or political affiliations.
The INC President also emphasized 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”.
To avoid kinetic confrontation with the United States, therefore, “I suggest that Nigeria should prioritize strengthening its internal security measures and engaging in diplomatic efforts to address concerns about religious freedom and violence”, Okaba said.
Recall that on Sunday, President Trump had made it clear that he would not hesitate to send troops to Nigeria to wipe away the “Islamist Terrorists” group so that Christians in the country would be protected to practice their chosen religion without any threat or molestation.
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