Gumi to Tinubu: Cut ties with US if Trump fails to withdraw threat

Says US President’s threats a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty

‘Muslims willing to offer themselves in defence of Nigeria’

Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna

Prominent northern based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has strongly advised, calling on President Bola Tinubu to take firm diplomatic action against United States President Donald Trump over his recent threat of possible military intervention in Nigeria.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, Gumi described Trump’s remarks as a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty, urging the Federal Government to respond immediately and decisively.

“For Trump to threaten a sovereign nation with military attack is a profound disrespect to our authority, but we can rise above it,” he said.

Gumi advised President Tinubu to summon the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria and demand a formal retraction of the threat. He said that if Washington fails to do so, Nigeria should consider cutting diplomatic ties with the United States.

“President Tinubu should summon the U.S. ambassador. They should either withdraw their threats or we sever diplomatic relations with this irresponsible regime,” the cleric stated.

He further noted that Nigeria has viable alternatives for economic and military partnerships, stressing that the country must not be overly dependent on any one nation.

“There are many other options for economic expansion and military alliances,” Gumi added.

“We’re in support of the views being expressed by Dr Ahmad A. Gumi to cut-off ties with the USA if the visit by President Tinubu doesn’t make President Trump withdraw his threats.

“Muslims in Nigeria are willing to offer ourselves in defense of our country (Nigeria). We would prefer confronting the USA Army than facing /killing our fellow Nigerians.

“When the USA Army arrives to fight Nigeria anybody siding with the USA (Christian or Muslim) should be taken as enemy of Nigeria. And so the USA Army (with any Nigerian allies) are to be fought and any Muslim fighting the USA based on Islamic teachings is Jihad. To fight the USA Army will be Jihad to qualify one for Al-Jannah if killed in the fight with the USA.

“In conclusion therefore our President Tinubu on visit to USA President should be wary of what terms and conditions President Trump would give us.

“Any terms and conditions allowing free access to Nigeria’s Natural Resources (Oil, Gas, Gold etc) should not be accepted. Any compromise of our Natural Resources to USA by President Tinubu will be the beginning of his 2027 Failure”.

Meanwhile, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election, has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to support Nigeria with advanced technology to combat insecurity rather than issue threats of military action.

Kwankwaso made the call in a statement on Sunday while reacting to Trump’s recent comments accusing the Nigerian government of ignoring attacks on Christians and threatening to launch military operations against terrorist groups in the country.

Trump’s warning came after Nigeria’s public endorsement of a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict and its condemnation of killings in Gaza — a stance that has reportedly fueled fresh allegations of “Christian genocide” against the country.

In his statement, Kwankwaso stressed that Nigeria is a sovereign nation battling multiple security challenges that cut across all religions and ethnic groups.

“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.

The former defence minister advised the U.S. government to channel its influence and resources toward helping Nigeria address insecurity, rather than making inflammatory remarks that could deepen divisions.

“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” Kwankwaso added.

He also called on the Nigerian government to adopt a more proactive diplomatic approach in dealing with Washington, including the appointment of envoys and ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests globally.

“The Nigerian government should consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage,” he advised.

Kwankwaso appealed to Nigerians to remain united despite growing international tensions, saying this was a moment to “emphasise unity of belonging over division.”