During a heated session in the Senate, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin defiantly rebuffed remarks attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria.
The confrontation unfolded after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter acknowledging Nigerians were awaiting the upper chamber’s official stance on Trump’s accusations. Trump had recently labelled Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” citing alleged persecution of Christians, and said the U.S. was “preparing for action.”
Barau Jibrin challenged Akpabio’s passive approach, declaring:
“Don’t be scared. I’m not scared of Trump. I will say my mind. I’m a Nigerian, a parliamentarian, the Deputy Senate President of a sovereign nation. He is saying lies about our country, and we have the right to dispute them.”
The exchange escalated when Akpabio sought to delete Barau’s remarks from the official record and warned against attributing statements that weren’t made.
The confrontation underscores deep tensions within the Senate over how to respond to external criticism regarding Nigeria’s handling of insecurity and religious violence.
While some lawmakers echoed calls for restraint and consultation with the executive branch, Barau’s outspoken stance signals a growing impatience with foreign commentary on Nigeria’s internal affairs.
