Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed the US military threat and designation of Nigeria as an “orchestrated game,” asserting that President Tinubu was “well ahead” and highlighting the President’s recent charge to security chiefs to be proactive and deliver results against evolving threats.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has weighed in on the diplomatic tension with the United States following President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and the subsequent threat of military action over alleged Christian persecution. Onanuga’s comment came after US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, confirmed the department was “preparing for possible military action in Nigeria.”
Writing on X on Sunday, Onanuga suggested a connection between Nigeria’s stance on the Middle East crisis and the allegations of genocide. He insisted that President Bola Tinubu was “well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America,” pointing to the President’s recent directive to the new service chiefs.
Onanuga quoted Tinubu’s charge to security heads: “Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating… We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”
The President reportedly told the service chiefs: “I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses.” Onanuga frames Tinubu’s demand for results and proactive action as a pre-emptive step against the foreign pressure.