OPINION: TRUMPS CPC - NOT AMERICANS' DECLARATION

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By Afolabi-Babarinsa, O. L.

In light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent declaration against Nigeria, I would like to appeal to Nigerians and peace-loving people around the world: do not transfer the aggression or hate stemming from Trump’s statements to the law-abiding citizens of the United States. America’s government is built on respect for the rule of law, and many of its citizens remain peaceful and fair-minded.

I commend Mr. Adebayo for delivering a powerful and thought-provoking message to the world through this platform. His words remind us that, regardless of the circumstances, we must all continue to seek peace and understanding.

If Mr. Trump truly loves Nigerian Christians as he claims, he should take time to study Nigeria and Africa deeply to understand our realities and find ways to support, not condemn. I am convinced that his reaction is based on misleading information.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, though from a smaller developing nation, is a bold, intelligent, and capable leader worthy of the global respect accorded to great statesmen. I hope that Mr. Trump and his team will grant him an opportunity for dialogue. When that happens, they will come to appreciate the man we in Nigeria see as “the last man standing” the small man with big engines.”

Nigeria is not defined by religious conflict. I am a Christian married to a Muslim, and our union thrives in peace. I regularly donate funds to both churches and mosques for their upkeep. During festive periods, I personally deliver fruits and gifts to my friends across both faiths. In fact, an Igbo man a devout Catholic once built a mosque single-handedly for a Muslim community. Such stories of harmony are common in our country.

So, where did Mr. Trump get his divisive narrative from? We are all humans created by God, and He never commanded us to sow hatred. The Christianity in Mr. Trump should inspire him to seek peace, not vendetta.

American presidents before him, and the world order that guides global leadership, have always approached crises with diplomacy and compassion not confrontation. I once watched an elderly woman in the U.S. arrested for shoplifting. Through tears, she explained that she was simply hungry and had not been paid. That moment reflected both the challenges and the humanity within America qualities that Trump, too, should embrace.

Mr. Trump, I appeal to you: calm down. Learn from your predecessors. Leadership is not about reacting to misinformation or pride it is about making decisions that uplift humanity. Even Elon Musk, once considered your ally, distanced himself over time due to disagreements rooted in failed or hasty decisions.

When a leader makes wrong decisions that harm millions, he bears the moral weight of their suffering. Please, do not take respected and beloved Americans backward. Many around you may be afraid to tell you the truth but we are not.

The world is watching and waiting for peace. A meeting between the great President of the United States and the great President of Nigeria should be one of mutual respect and dialogue. Let us follow the principles of the United Nations, which teach cooperation, understanding, and peace from childhood through adulthood.

In the end, peace remains our only path forward. Let us work together in peace, for peace, and through peace.