The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) has called on the Federal Government to treat recent comments attributed to the U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria’s security situation as a wake-up call for decisive leadership and international engagement rather than an attack on the nation’s image.
In a statement endorsed by Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, IHRC Corporation Secretary-General, the Commission emphasised that Nigeria’s current challenges demand unity, responsible governance, and immediate international coordination to prevent further humanitarian tragedy.
“When human life is endangered, silence is not neutrality, it is neglect,” said Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, IHRC Corporation Secretary-General, Peacemaker. “Nigeria’s leadership must rise above political divisions to protect all citizens equally and to demonstrate to the world that Africa’s largest democracy stands firm for peace, human dignity, and justice.”
President Trump reportedly described the escalating violence and targeted killings in parts of Nigeria as “acts of genocide,” prompting intense global debate. The IHRC stated that while such remarks may appear harsh, they should be interpreted as a wake-up call for decisive action rather than an affront to the nation’s image.
The IHRC, through its Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Mission in Nigeria, Amb. Hezekiah Duru, noted that criticism, when rooted in humanitarian concern, should not be dismissed but used as an opportunity for introspection.
“The painful truth is that innocent Nigerians including Christians, Muslims, and citizens of no particular faith, continue to suffer deaths, displacement, and trauma from the actions of terrorists and banditry.
“The loss of human lives cannot be ignored, the Nigerian Government must act now to prevent deeper misperceptions and diplomatic isolation,” Amb. Duru stated.
The Commission noted that violence across Nigeria, particularly in the North, Middle Belt, and parts of the South East, has exposed government’s failure to protect its citizens. It called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to take Trump’s comments as a challenge to restore security and public trust.
The IHRC’s statement stressed that “Nigeria must seize this moment to protect its citizens and rebuild confidence within the community of nations,” urging newly appointed security chiefs to adopt proactive, intelligence-driven strategies and not wait for attacks before responding.
The IHRC urged Nigeria to engage more actively with the international community, particularly the United States Government, the European Union, and the United Nations, to reinforce trust and attract technical and intelligence support.
It cautioned that diplomatic silence in moments of global scrutiny can be misread as indifference.
According to him, consistent communication and collaboration with allies would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to peace and human rights.
The IHRC further proposed the creation of a High-Level Diplomatic Advisory Council made up of seasoned statesmen, legal experts, and foreign policy professionals to guide government engagement with international organizations and foreign governments.
Such a council, the Commission said, would reflect Nigeria’s seriousness in addressing insecurity and rebuilding confidence on the world stage.
The IHRC reminded the government that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion under Section 38(1), aligning with international human rights frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“These provisions must remain living principles, not dormant clauses,” the Commission said, warning that terrorism, communal violence, and kidnappings continue to erode national stability and global trust.
Amb. Duru emphasised that the Nigerian government must lead its own rescue mission through stronger institutions, interfaith unity, credible communication, and a renewed commitment to human rights protection.
“The world is watching, and silence or inaction will only embolden false narratives and external interference,”
he added.
Reaffirming its readiness to partner with the Federal Government, civil society, and international allies, the IHRC said it would continue advancing peacebuilding, justice, and human rights monitoring initiatives across Nigeria.
The Commission stressed that religious freedom and human dignity are not privileges but universal rights, calling for unity in addressing insecurity and restoring hope.
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