TINUBU MEETS SULTAN OF SOKOTO IN ASO ROCK OVER TRUMP’S RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION ALLEGATION
TINUBU MEETS SULTAN OF SOKOTO IN ASO ROCK OVER TRUMP’S RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION ALLEGATION
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
November 7, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria
In a move described by insiders as a “crucial consultation”, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday met with the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid rising international reactions to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on religious freedom and alleged persecution in Nigeria.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, accompanied the Sultan to the meeting, which took place in the President’s first-floor office — barely days after Tinubu held a similar audience with the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama.
According to sources, these high-level engagements form part of a series of consultations President Tinubu is holding with religious and traditional leaders across the country, aimed at fostering unity and addressing global perceptions of Nigeria’s religious landscape.
Background: Trump’s Redesignation of Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’
The diplomatic heat followed President Trump’s shocking announcement last week on his Truth Social platform, where he declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over what he termed “systematic killings of Christians.”
Trump wrote:
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — but that is the least of it.”
He further warned that the United States may conduct a military operation in Nigeria if the alleged killings of Christians continue, a statement that has since triggered mixed reactions both within and outside the country.
Nigeria’s Official Response
Reacting swiftly, the Federal Government of Nigeria rejected the characterization, insisting that the nation’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all faiths and that the ongoing security challenges cut across religious and ethnic lines.
A government spokesperson noted that the violence, often framed as religious persecution, is “largely rooted in criminality, terrorism, and socio-economic conflicts,” while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to restoring peace and order.
Dickson Backs Trump’s Statement, Calls for National Introspection
Interestingly, former Governor of Bayelsa State and serving Senator Seriake Dickson has publicly supported Trump’s concerns, describing them as a “wake-up call to action.”
In a statement titled “Alleged Genocide: My Stance on President Trump’s Statement” released Thursday, Dickson emphasized that while Nigeria’s sovereignty must be respected, it is also imperative to embrace global partnerships to combat terrorism and promote peace.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West lamented the deep scars of terrorism on both Christians and Muslims, recalling that Boko Haram, ISWAP, ISIS, and other extremist groups have unleashed violence in Nigeria for nearly 15 years.
He stated:
“Places of worship — both churches and mosques, as well as palaces and traditional rulers — have not been spared in their bloodbath. School children have been kidnapped, killed, or forcefully married off. The whereabouts of Leah Sharibu and several Chibok girls remain unknown.”
The Wider Implication
Observers say Tinubu’s meeting with faith leaders reflects an urgent effort to balance international diplomacy with domestic sensitivity, especially as Western nations increasingly scrutinize Nigeria’s human rights record and religious coexistence.
With both Christian and Muslim leaders at the table, analysts believe the move may help the government craft a unified national response that defends Nigeria’s image while ensuring justice, equity, and tolerance for all.
As Nigeria navigates this delicate moment, one truth remains evident — the call for peace, unity, and genuine reform has never been louder.
Source: Sahara Reporters
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For Global Egberi Media International
📌 Tags: #Tinubu #SultanOfSokoto #DonaldTrump #ReligiousFreedom #NigeriaNews #SeriakeDickson #USNigeriaRelations #HumanRights
💬 Facebook Caption:
🕊️ TINUBU MEETS SULTAN OVER TRUMP’S RELIGION CLAIMS!
President Bola Tinubu holds a crucial meeting with the Sultan of Sokoto amid Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
Senator Seriake Dickson reacts — calling Trump’s statement a wake-up call for Nigeria.
Read full story on Global Egberi Media International 🌍
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