Nigerian media mogul and politician Dele Momodu has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enlist respected Nigerians with international credibility — such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Emeka Anyaoku — to engage directly with U.S. President Donald Trump over his recent comments about religious violence in Nigeria.
Trump recently designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern”, citing alleged persecution of Christians — a move that has sparked diplomatic unease between Washington and Abuja.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Momodu urged Tinubu to set aside partisan politics and involve prominent Nigerians who can effectively represent the country’s interests on the global stage.
“Nigeria is blessed with some of the most brilliant minds on the planet. Many Nigerians are globally exposed and enjoy privileges, contacts, and networks worldwide,” Momodu said.
“My advice to the president is not to treat this as politics as usual. Reach out to these people, whether they belong to your party or not.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain cautioned that relying solely on political advisers might not produce results, emphasizing the importance of credible international engagement.
Momodu also reacted to Trump’s viral video reaffirming Nigeria’s designation, noting that the U.S. leader appeared resolute in his stance.
“I believe Trump is convinced by the documents presented to him. He thinks the Nigerian government is not serious and fears we might try to buy time and return to business as usual,” he said.
He recommended that Tinubu consult with elder statesmen and diplomats — including Olusegun Obasanjo, Emeka Anyaoku, and Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) — on how best to respond to Washington’s concerns.
Momodu dismissed claims that the Nigerian opposition influenced Trump’s position, arguing instead that Christian lobby groups in the U.S. had drawn attention to reports of violence.
“How can an opposition still trying to organise itself have the time to go to Washington? I read it was a bishop from Benue State,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government insists that terrorism in Nigeria is not targeted at any specific religious group, maintaining that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of extremist attacks.
