ArDA Raises Concern Over Proposed Foreign Military Intervention in Nigeria
From Ahmad Muhammad,Bauchi
The Arewa Dignity Advancement Initiative (ArDA), a non-governmental, has expresses deep concern over recent remarks attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a possible military intervention in Nigeria “to protect Christians.
“A statement signed and distributed to newsmen by The National Coordinator ArDA Hajiya Baheejah Mahmood Abdullahi said that”ArDA wishes to state clearly that such a narrative does not reflect the true realities on the ground.
Verified data and lived experiences show that Muslims in Northern Nigeria have suffered the highest casualties from banditry, insurgency, communal conflicts, and terrorism.
The areas most affected particularly the North West and North East are overwhelmingly Muslim communities, where thousands of men, women, children, and farmers have lost their lives.
“Baheejah said “As Muslims, as Northerners, and as Nigerians, we reject any intervention based on religious bias or political personalisation. Islam teaches justice, fairness, and the protection of all human beings. For this reason,
ArDA calls on the global Islamic community, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and all nations of conscience to stand with ALL victims in Nigeria, not just Muslims because Islam does not discriminate between human beings; all lives are sacred”.
She reminds President Trump that Nigeria’s current leadership does not, in any way, reflect the idea of a government that targets Christians. In fact:
The President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a Muslim, but his wife is a Christian and a pastor, and most of his children are Christians.
The Secretary to the Government of the the Federation (SGF) is a Christian.The Senate President is a Christian.The Chief of Staff to the President is a Christian.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is a Christian.Several ministers, service chiefs, heads of agencies, and key officeholders are also Christians.
These clear facts demonstrate that Nigeria’s leadership structure is religiously balanced and inclusive. There is no logical or political basis to claim that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria.
The real threat affecting Nigerians whether Muslim or Christian is insecurity, banditry, terrorism, economic hardship, and weak governance. These challenges do not discriminate, and neither do the victims.’
The Statement said “ArDA emphasizes that if Nigeria ever reaches a point where international support becomes inevitable, such support must be neutral, legitimate, and free from religious favouritism.
Any foreign involvement must not be used to deepen division or destabilise the country. If externalassistance were necessary, Nigeria would be better served by nations with a structural and historical understanding of its territory such as Britain rather than actors whose motives appear selective or personalised.
“She alleged that “if President Trump’s concern was genuinely humanitarian, it would focus on protecting all Nigerians, not only a particular religious group. His current posture suggests a personal and partial interest, which undermines the credibility of any proposed intervention.
“”Ultimately, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian government remain constitutionally responsible for the protection of every citizen. Where this responsibility is not met, Nigerians have the right to demand accountability including calls for resignation or for credible international support that does not threaten national stability.
“The Statement said “ArDA strongly warns that Nigeria must not be turned into a battleground for foreign religious or geopolitical interests.
Our priority is the unity, dignity, safety, and sovereignty of the Nigerian people without exception.”
