“Deploy Anyaoku, Akinyemi, Kingibe to Defend Nigeria’s Image Before US” — Ndume Tells Tinubu

Amid rising diplomatic tension between Abuja and Washington following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” Senator Ali Ndume has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately deploy Nigeria’s finest diplomatic heavyweights to counter what he described as a dangerous and misleading narrative about the country.

Ndume, who represents Borno Central Senatorial District, said the Federal Government must act swiftly to defend Nigeria’s integrity and prevent the world from embracing Trump’s characterization, which he insists misrepresents the nation’s complex security realities.

In a statement personally signed and released in Abuja on Saturday, the senator advised Tinubu to engage seasoned statesmen and diplomats with global clout to present the facts to the American government and international bodies.

> “Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage renowned diplomats like Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, and Amina Mohammed at the United Nations,” Ndume said.
“We can change the narrative by ensuring that Nigeria is not tagged as a ‘country of particular concern,’ but rather as a ‘country of special concern’ — one deserving of global partnership, not punishment.”

Ndume noted that these eminent figures have the credibility, experience, and moral authority to represent Nigeria on the global stage and correct misconceptions about religious persecution and terrorism.

Speaking further, Ndume lamented that Trump’s comments—shared via his Truth Social account and amplified by the White House’s official X handle—portrayed Nigeria as a nation condoning genocide against Christians, an allegation he described as grossly inaccurate and politically motivated.

> “Muslims have been killed too. The genocide isn’t against Christians; it’s against Nigerians. Terrorists attack indiscriminately. Both Muslims and Christians have suffered. The U.S. must see that Nigeria is a victim of terrorism, not a promoter of it,” he said.

The senator, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Army, called on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently engage the American Embassy in Abuja and submit verified data showing the government’s sustained efforts to combat terrorism, protect human rights, and promote religious tolerance.

> “Nigeria must tell its own story before others define it. We should use our diplomats to show that we are fighting for unity, peace, and security—not division,” Ndume stressed.

Political observers have described Ndume’s call as timely and strategic, noting that Nigeria’s international reputation faces significant risk if Trump’s claim goes unchallenged.

Analysts warn that the “country of particular concern” label could affect foreign investment, military partnerships, and international aid, at a time when Nigeria is seeking stronger global cooperation to combat terrorism and economic instability.

Attribution Note:

This report is based on Senator Ali Ndume’s official statement released in Abuja on Saturday, November 1, 2025, as reported by ThisDayLive and The Nation newspapers.