Jibrin Barau, the deputy senate president, has strongly condemned United States President Donald Trump?s recent threat to launch military action against Nigeria, describing the statement as ?unacceptable, unlawful, and a violation of international laws.

Speaking during an engagement with the youths of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Thursday evening, Barau said Trump?s remarks undermined Nigeria?s sovereignty and disregarded established diplomatic channels.

He urged the U.S. leader to withdraw the statement and tender an apology to Nigerians.

?For the President of the United States to come out and say, ?Oh, we are going to attack you,? and that Nigeria is a CPC country, this is quite unacceptable.

?He should understand, retract that statement, and apologize to Nigeria,? Barau said firmly.

The Deputy Senate President, who gave an impassioned defense of Nigeria?s sovereignty, emphasized that global relations among nations are guided by the rule of international law, not threats or unilateral actions.

?The entire relationship that we see among countries in the world is anchored on international law.

?The world is civilized now, and we are governed by the rule of law, the rule of international law,? he said.

According to him, when a country disagrees with another, the appropriate step is to initiate diplomatic dialogue or approach the United Nations, rather than resorting to aggression.

?If there?s anything that any country feels about another country, the right thing to do is to engage that relationship through bilateral means.

?And if that fails, then you can approach the United Nations. You don?t delve into the internal affairs of another sovereign nation,? he explained.

Barau noted that even in cases where global intervention becomes necessary, international law demands that such actions be preceded by diplomatic engagements and sanctioned through UN resolutions.

?For a single country to now come and decide to attack a sovereign nation, that is quite improper. It?s against international law. We don?t live like animals in the world. We live as civilized people,? he added.

Reflecting on Nigeria?s long-standing relationship with the United States, the lawmaker recalled that America played a pivotal role in supporting Nigeria?s return to democracy in 1999.

?America is a friend and ally of Nigeria. They helped us to put in place democracy.

?They lectured us on the need to respect international law and build democratic institutions. But now, for the President of the United States to threaten Nigeria, that is un-American,? Barau stated.

He expressed disbelief that such a comment could come from a U.S. president, stressing that Nigeria would not be intimidated.

?I don?t believe that kind of statement, it is un-American. Because America is a country that preaches law, order, and respect for sovereignty. We are not scared to say the truth. We are not scared of Trump,? he said.

Barau?s remarks followed widespread reactions to Trump?s online declaration that the United States could take military action or impose sanctions on Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

Trump had claimed that Nigeria faces ?an existential threat? to its Christian population and warned that the U.S. might deploy troops or conduct air strikes if the killings were not halted.

The Nigerian government has since rejected the allegations and reasserted that the country protects freedom of religion for all citizens.

Barau called on the international community to disregard the statement and urged Nigerians to remain united and confident in their sovereignty.

?We are an independent, sovereign nation. We have the right to govern ourselves under the principles of international law.

?What we demand is respect and fairness, not intimidation,? he said.

He further stressed that Nigeria remains committed to global peace and cooperation but will always defend its territorial integrity.

?If America feels strongly about any issue in Nigeria, it should follow the legal path, through bilateral dialogue or the United Nations. Anything short of that is unacceptable,? he maintained.

The Senate, which had earlier described Trump?s comments as ?provocative and reckless,? is expected to formally communicate its position to the Federal Government to guide Nigeria?s diplomatic response.

Barau concluded by reaffirming that Nigeria?s democracy, hard-won through international partnership and internal sacrifice, must never again be subjected to threats from foreign powers.

?Nigeria is not a colony. We are a sovereign people. And while we value our friendship with the United States, respect must be mutual,? he declared. (Business Day)

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