An unusual public disagreement unfolded in the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday as Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau directly challenged Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s approach in responding to the U.S. threat of military action over alleged anti-Christian violence and President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
The debate began when Senate President Akpabio, seeking to maintain legislative decorum, informed the chamber he could not respond to President Trump’s comments until the executive arm officially briefed the legislature.
Who am I to reply Trump?
Meanwhile, the Deputy Senate President pushed for a stronger response, stressing the right and duty of the parliament to defend the integrity of the nation instantly.
I am a Nigerian, a parliamentarian, and the Deputy Senate President of this sovereign nation. I am not scared of Trump… We have the right to dispute it
The discussion became tense when Akpabio responded immediately;
I said I’m not scared. How can the Senate President of this country be afraid of Trump?
The Akpabio then ordered that Barau’s statements be removed from the official record, describing them as “out of tune” with the rest of the debate.
Meanwhile, China, recently through the Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson, Mao Ning, publicly opposed the use of force or interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs under the pretext of religion or human rights.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already rejected the claims, insisting that Nigeria constitution guarantees religious liberty for all citizens and that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims.
The Senate awaits the formal position of the executive branch, before making a unified legislative statement on the U.S. threats.
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