Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said that any action taken by United States President Donald Trump, regarding Nigeria, must respect international law and the country’s sovereignty.
Speaking during a media chat on Sunday, Soludo cautioned Trump against oversimplifying Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that the problems facing the nation are far more complex than a religious conflict.
He dismissed Trump’s threat to ‘protect Christians in Nigeria,’ describing it as a shallow interpretation that ignores the realities on the ground.
‘As a country, America has a right to hold its own views,’ Soludo said. ‘But whatever it does must fall within the boundaries of international law.’
The governor urged diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the US to clarify facts and correct misconceptions.
He explained that much of the violence in the Southeast lacks any religious dimension, noting that many of the perpetrators and victims share the same faith.
‘People are killing themselves – Christians killing Christians,’ Soludo explained. ‘The people in the bushes are Emmanuel, Peter, John – all Christian names – and they have maimed and killed thousands of our youths. It has nothing to do with religion.’
Soludo added that any foreign support Nigeria might seek would come through official channels and cooperation – not through threats or unilateral intervention.
He further criticised the idea of a foreign invasion, likening it to a scenario in which African nations threaten the US over racial injustices.
The governor stressed that open dialogue remains the most viable way to resolve the country’s security and social problems.
‘There is a need for deeper conversation,’ he said. ‘The government of Nigeria will respond robustly. Nigeria is a large country, and much is being done to secure it.’
Soludo, who is contesting for re-election in Anambra State, rejected narratives portraying the south-east crisis as a religious conflict.
‘In this part of the country, we are 95 percent Christian,’ he said. ‘The people in the bushes killing others bear Christian names. It is far beyond a Christian-Muslim categorisation. Nigeria will overcome, and the solution will come through dialogue.’