Nigeria Urged to Send Emissaries to Ease US Tensions

Ambassador John Usanga, the Deputy Spokesperson of the League of African Ambassadors, has called upon the Nigerian government to take decisive diplomatic actions to alleviate escalating tensions with the United States. His comments follow remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who threatened military intervention in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

In a recent interview on ARISE News, Usanga highlighted the importance of moving beyond mere press statements to foster direct engagement with Washington. “So far, the steps taken by the federal government are in the right direction,” he stated. “When tensions escalate, the first thing you do is de-escalate.”

He emphasized that Nigeria is home to many high-profile individuals who command respect internationally and should be utilized as emissaries to facilitate dialogue. According to Usanga, these emissaries could “wet the ground” for high-level diplomatic talks and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the US.

The ambassador pointed out that if the United States’ perception of targeting Nigerian Christians stems from validated security reports, it raises valid concerns. However, if the viewpoint is based on general violence, the Nigerian government must clarify the situation to reassure the US that it is not engaged in a campaign against any specific faith. “Nigerian Christians are not being singled out,” he asserted, noting that violence in the country is primarily driven by terrorism and banditry.

Usanga, who previously served as ambassador to Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, remarked on China’s recent expressions of support for Nigeria amid the tensions with the US. He cautioned that such support reflects geopolitical interests rather than genuine friendship. “Diplomacy is the engine that drives international relations, and everything about it is based on interest,” he explained.

While acknowledging China’s intentions, Usanga stressed the importance of maintaining balanced relationships. “The United States remains a strong ally of Nigeria. As much as China wants to demonstrate its alliance, we must create room for all partners to engage with us,” he added.

He urged the Nigerian government to approach its diplomatic response carefully, respecting both national sovereignty and global responsibilities. “Yes, sovereignty is recognized under international law as the supreme power of a state within its territory,” Usanga noted. “But when you belong to multilateral organizations or have bilateral ties, you’ve already ceded some aspects of sovereignty to honor agreements.”

Looking ahead, the ambassador concluded by advocating for a diplomatic approach that is calm, strategic, and focused on engagement rather than confrontation. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to constructive dialogue on the global stage.