… Says Trump’s remarks should inspire reform, not resentment, in rebuilding peace and international trust.
By Correspondent in Abuja.
The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), has urged the Federal Government to treat recent comments attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria’s security challenges as a wake-up call for decisive leadership and constructive international engagement rather than as an attack on the country’s image.
Trump had reportedly described the ongoing killings in parts of Nigeria as “acts of genocide,” sparking widespread debate and renewed scrutiny of the nation’s internal security crisis.
In a statement issued by its Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, the IHRC said that while Trump’s remarks may appear harsh, they should serve as a sober reminder of the urgent need for national reflection and reform.
Speaking through its Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Hezekiah Duru, the Commission noted that even criticism rooted in humanitarian concern should be seen as an opportunity for introspection and action.
“The painful truth is that ,innocent Nigerians,including Christians, Muslims, and citizens of no particular faith,continue to suffer deaths, displacement, and trauma from the actions of terrorists and bandits.
“The loss of human lives cannot be ignored. The Nigerian Government must act now to prevent deeper misperceptions and diplomatic isolation,”Duru said.
Duru observed that the persistence of violence across the North, Middle Belt, and parts of the South East has exposed a failure of government to adequately protect its citizens. He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to view Trump’s comments as a challenge to restore security, rebuild trust, and reassert Nigeria’s standing within the global community.
“Nigeria must seize this moment to protect its citizens and rebuild confidence within the community of nations,” he added.
The envoy urged newly appointed security chiefs to adopt intelligence-driven, proactive strategies, warning that the government must not continue reacting only after tragedy strikes.
“You cannot sleep with a burning fire on your roof and expect to wake up whole. The time to act is now, before isolated violence becomes an entrenched crisis,” Duru cautioned.
He also advised the Federal Government to deepen engagement with the international community,especially the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations,to strengthen partnerships, restore confidence, and attract technical and intelligence support.
“Diplomatic silence in moments of global scrutiny can be misread as indifference,” he warned, adding that consistent communication with allies would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to peace and human rights.
To reinforce this commitment, Duru proposed the establishment of a High-Level Diplomatic Advisory Council composed of seasoned statesmen, legal experts, and foreign policy professionals to guide the government’s engagement with international organisations and foreign partners.
Such a body, he explained, would underscore Nigeria’s seriousness in tackling insecurity and rebuilding global confidence.
Duru reminded the government that Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion,rights that align with international human rights frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“These provisions must remain living principles, not dormant clauses,” he said, warning that terrorism, communal conflicts, and kidnappings continue to erode national stability and global trust.
He further stressed that Nigeria must lead its own rescue mission through stronger institutions, interfaith unity, transparent communication, and renewed commitment to human rights protection.
“The world is watching, and silence or inaction will only embolden false narratives and external interference,” Duru added.
Reaffirming IHRC’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government, civil society, and international allies, the envoy said the organisation remains committed to advancing peacebuilding, justice, and human rights monitoring initiatives across the country.
He reminded Nigerians that religious freedom and human dignity are not privileges but universal rights, adding that unity remains the key to overcoming the nation’s current challenges.
“A tree does not stand alone in the storm. The unity that binds us as a nation is under threat. Nigeria’s destiny as Africa’s democratic leader depends on its ability to protect its citizens and act decisively against threats to life and peaceful coexistence. The time for decisive action is now,” he said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
