Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has issued a strong statement condemning the recent threats by the United States government to deploy military forces in Nigeria over alleged security concerns. He called for a constructive and cooperative partnership between Nigeria and the United States to tackle the growing menace of terrorism and insecurity across Nigeria.
The governor’s statement comes in reaction to US President Donald Trump’s warnings of potential “security and diplomatic actions” in Nigeria, which many interpreted as a veiled threat of military intervention. This threat followed allegations of “genocide against Christians” in parts of Nigeria.
However, Governor Adeleke emphasized that such military involvement would not be the solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.”Nigeria and the United States share a productive and rewarding diplomatic partnership,” Governor Adeleke noted, urging that this partnership be deepened rather than undermined by threats of intervention.
He appealed to the US Presidency to support Nigeria through diplomatic cooperation, particularly by assisting the country in fully implementing its newly developed national security strategy.
The security strategy, described by Governor Adeleke as comprehensive and capable, aims to combat the twin threats of banditry and terrorism that have plagued many northern regions of Nigeria, claiming countless innocent lives. He acknowledged the severity of the ongoing killings in northern Nigeria, expressing heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the violence.
Governor Adeleke viewed the American remarks as a reminder of the urgent need for intensified international collaboration in counterterrorism efforts.
“Nigeria needs help from the United States and others to solve the terrorism challenge,” he affirmed.
He urged a high-level dialogue between the Nigerian and American governments, stressing that such engagements would enhance Washington’s understanding of Nigeria’s security operations, successes, and the obstacles it faces.
In his statement, “I appeal to the Presidency of the United States of America to support Nigeria to fully implement the recently developed national security strategy. The new strategy is comprehensive and capable of taking on the monster of banditry and terroristic killings in many parts of the country,” he said.
“Nigeria suffers from unfortunate killings across Northern Nigeria which has claimed lives of many innocent citizens. We believe a high-powered engagement at the presidential level will particularly open to the American government the ongoing security operations, successes and challenges Nigeria is facing in the fight against terrorism,” Adeleke added.
He maintained that sustained dialogue and expanded security cooperation are crucial to lasting peace. “We need our international partners to expand their support for the Nigerian security agencies and its political leadership to face national security challenges. Peaceful interface between Abuja and Washington holds the key rather than military intervention by the American government.”
Governor Adeleke further praised the Presidency for its diplomatic efforts to calm tensions and address legitimate concerns raised by Nigeria’s western allies.
“This is the time to unite as a nation to support the national leadership to frontally address internal and external threats for the protection of the citizenry. This is the time to back the President to enforce the letters and spirit of the constitution in all facets of national life. We need peace, not war to deepen our democracy and protect our citizens,” he concluded.
Therefore, highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue, Governor Adeleke called for expanded support from international partners for Nigerian security agencies and political leadership. “Peaceful interface between Abuja and Washington holds the key rather than military intervention by the American government,” he stated firmly.
“This is the time to unite as a nation to support the national leadership to frontally address internal and external threats for the protection of the citizenry,” Governor Adeleke said.
He stressed the importance of backing the President to enforce the constitution fully and uphold peace over war, reinforcing democratic values and citizen safety.
