Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, has said that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action against Nigeria should be a wake-up call for the country’s leaders.
Trump had accused Nigeria of persecuting Christians and threatened to cut U.S. aid or take military steps to “save Christians” in the country.
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President Bola Tinubu rejected the claim, saying Nigeria remains a democracy that respects freedom of religion.
Speaking at journalist Reuben Abati’s 60th birthday event in Lagos, Kukah said Trump’s comment reflected deeper problems within Nigeria.
“All of us are confusing Trump with a sickness. Trump is only a symptom of the disease in our country,” Kukah said. “Whether it is Trump or anyone else giving us this jab, it is time for Nigeria to wake up.”
He also criticized the lack of tourist sites and monuments that represent Nigeria’s national identity.
“If someone visits Nigeria today, where will you take them? We need to rebuild and redefine who we are as a nation,” he said.
Kukah urged Nigerians to reflect and take responsibility for building a stronger and more united country.