By Hon. Comrade James Onifade 
What a week!!! Loud words about patriotism mixed with clumsy diplomacy have turned into a fast-moving international drama.
It started with President Trump’s threat that the US might use military force in Nigeria. His speech was classic Trump — loud, blunt, and full of swagger rather than subtle diplomacy.” He said the United States can not stand by while Christians are killed in Nigeria and other countries.
He warned the US could “go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing,” and told his Department of War to prepare for possible action. He also said the U.S. could stop all aid to Nigeria if the government failed to act.
This came after the US labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom. Trump described the killings, especially in Benue and Plateau, as mass murder by “radical Islamists.” His words have sparked strong reactions across the world.
Some people praised him for defending persecuted Christians. Others called his claim of a Christian genocide unfounded and politically motivated. Critics say Trump’s tough talk is a response to Nigeria’s growing ties with China and to pressure from his evangelical supporters.
Many Nigerians see his comments as an insult to their country and a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty, the right of a nation to manage its own affairs.
But some argue that when a government can’t protect its own people, its claim to full sovereignty is weakened. If a state is failing to prevent mass violence and a humanitarian crisis looms, the global community may need to act.
That idea makes some people feel angry, and some feel relieved that outsiders are finally pointing out the problem.
So which is it , insult or urgent warning? Both sides make valid points.
Still, there are some hard facts we can’t ignore:
• Is there a real threat to Christian communities in Nigeria? Many local reports show frequent attacks on villages, and priests and pastors are kidnapped almost every week.
• Has the Nigerian government done enough? Not really. Security issues are often politicized, and protecting citizens doesn’t seem to be the highest priority. When security becomes a political favor or a way to win elections, lives suffer, and crime grows.
The result is predictable: agriculture and other livelihoods collapse where bandits and militias operate like organized businesses. People live in fear.
Past US administrations had even limited aid when Nigerian forces were accused of abuses.
Some say Nigeria is “under-policed” and badly needs a better security structure like a state police to match its realities.
International reactions have been mixed. Russia called for calm and legal restraint. China warned the U.S. not to use human-rights claims to meddle in Nigeria’s affairs. Meanwhile, many Nigerians hope this foreign pressure will finally force the government to act.
If an insult from abroad wakes a failing government into doing its job, some will accept the shame for the sake of results.
But Nigeria must be careful. It should not become a battleground for great-power rivalry between the U.S., China, and Russia. That would only cause more pain.
Behind Trump’s crude words is a chance unpleasant but real for Nigeria to face its failures and begin healing. The country needs practical, honest action, not more politics. It needs security that protects citizens, justice for victims, and leaders who put people above power.
If Nigeria can accept the truth, fix its wounds, and stop rewarding violence, peace and prosperity may follow. That is the real opportunity hidden in this tense moment.
Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin