Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and concerns over Nigeria's internal security, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urgently appealed to President Bola Tinubu to engage in swift and diplomatic action. Adeboye's call comes in response to United States President Donald Trump's recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and his subsequent threats of military intervention due to alleged persecution of Christians.

Speaking at the November Holy Ghost Service, Adeboye advised the Nigerian government to diplomatically persuade President Trump to delay any action against Nigeria for approximately 100 days. Concurrently, he urged President Tinubu to issue a 90-day ultimatum to Nigerian security chiefs to eradicate terrorism or resign. Adeboye underscored the need for wisdom and speed over confrontation, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and calling for the exposure of terrorism sponsors and stronger accountability within security forces. He warned that no foreign power, including China or Russia, would militarily intervene to defend Nigeria if a conflict with the US erupted.

President Trump's directive to the Pentagon on October 31 to prepare “possible action” in Nigeria stemmed from accusations that the Nigerian government was “failing to stop the killing of Christians,” labeling it a “disgraced country.” This followed the US State Department's designation regarding religious freedom violations. The Nigerian government, through Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, vehemently rejected these accusations, clarifying that violence affects all faiths and is driven by criminal and extremist elements, not religious persecution. President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism and protecting all citizens, welcoming collaborations that respect national sovereignty.

The situation has provoked strong reactions both domestically and internationally. The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, staged protests in Kano on November 8, rejecting Trump’s claims of Christian genocide and accusing Western nations of using propaganda to create religious division. Demonstrators carried placards and effigies of Trump, asserting that Nigeria’s challenges are rooted in corruption and political greed, not religion.

Echoing these sentiments, the African Union Commission (AUC) issued a strongly worded statement cautioning the United States against “unfounded allegations” and “unilateral threats of intervention.” The AUC reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, non-interference, and religious freedom, stressing that external engagement must adhere to diplomatic norms. It supported Nigeria’s position that its constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that it rejects religious persecution, urging international cooperation for capacity-building rather than military threats.

Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, vehemently criticized Trump, accusing him of lying and showing contempt for Africans. Falana, speaking on Channels Television, dismissed the “Christian genocide” narrative as unfounded, arguing that violence in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but driven by economic factors, land expropriation, and failures in governance and security. He highlighted issues like open grazing, ransom payments to bandits, and the ineffective use of technology by security agencies. Falana urged the Nigerian government to address these internal issues honestly, viewing Trump's warning as a