US Designation: Muslim Group Cautions Against Foreign Interference

The Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned against hasty reactions and possible foreign interference following US President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”

MAN cautioned that such a move could have far-reaching political and security consequences.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Professor Dhikrullah Adewale Yagboyaju, and Publicity Secretary, Hon. Mudirakat Ajibona, the group urged Nigerians to respond with restraint, unity and tact.

According to the association, Nigeria’s multi-religious and diverse nature often produces social complexities that can be misrepresented or exploited by foreign powers with vested interests.

“Like in all plural societies, there are bound to be issues and problems. The case of Nigeria is complicated by foreign interests who possibly have their eyes on the country’s vast mineral, material, and human resources,” the statement read.

MAN described as “unfortunate” any suggestion of external coercion or military intervention, insisting that such actions would amount to an “affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty” and could threaten regional stability.

The group appealed for national unity, expressing confidence in the ability of Nigerian leaders to resolve internal challenges through dialogue and diplomacy.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has revealed details of a recent closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.

The meeting which held on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, followed Tinubu’s earlier engagement with the Archbishop of Abuja, Bishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama.

According to the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, the consultations were part of efforts to foster dialogue and strengthen social cohesion across the country.

He said the engagements came amid renewed global attention on Nigeria’s human rights and religious freedom record, following remarks by President Trump, who threatened action against Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.

Reacting to journalists’ inquiries on Sunday, NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, said the Sultan used the meeting to convey the “feelings and anxieties” of Nigerian Muslims to Tinubu, noting that concerns over perceived marginalisation were presented directly to the President.