International Human Rights Commission urges Nigeria to act on insecurity, calling Trump’s remarks a wake-up call for leadership and global cooperation.

International Human Rights Commission has called on the Nigerian Government to treat recent remarks attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump about the nation’s security situation as a wake-up call for decisive leadership and global engagement rather than an insult to its reputation.

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In a statement endorsed by Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, Secretary-General of the IHRC Corporation, the body said Nigeria’s deepening insecurity demands unity, responsible governance, and immediate international coordination to avert further humanitarian crises.

“When human life is endangered, silence is not neutrality—it is neglect,” Prof. Wasik said. “Nigeria’s leadership must rise above political divisions to protect all citizens equally and show that Africa’s largest democracy stands for peace, human dignity, and justice.”

Trump had reportedly described the worsening violence and targeted killings in parts of Nigeria as “acts of genocide”, a claim that sparked heated global debate. The International Human Rights Commission stated that while such comments may seem harsh, they should inspire self-assessment and renewed action rather than defensive outrage.

Through its Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Mission in Nigeria, Ambassador Hezekiah Duru, the IHRC emphasised that criticism, when driven by humanitarian concern, should serve as a prompt for reform. “The painful truth is that innocent Nigerians—Christians, Muslims, and citizens of no particular faith—continue to die and suffer displacement,” Amb. Duru said.

He warned that failure to act decisively would deepen diplomatic isolation and erode global confidence in Nigeria’s leadership. “The government must act now to prevent deeper misperceptions and further tragedy,” he added.

The International Human Rights Commission urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to use the opportunity to restore security, rebuild trust, and show accountability. It called on newly appointed security chiefs to embrace intelligence-led, preventive strategies instead of reactive force.

The statement also encouraged Nigeria to intensify diplomatic engagement with key allies including the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations. “Diplomatic silence in moments of global scrutiny can be mistaken for indifference,” the Commission warned, adding that consistent communication would signal Nigeria’s commitment to human rights and stability.

Proposing the creation of a High-Level Diplomatic Advisory Council, the IHRC recommended that the government enlist respected statesmen, legal scholars, and policy experts to guide its international relations and security diplomacy.

Such a move, it said, would underscore Nigeria’s seriousness in addressing insecurity and strengthening its global image.

Citing Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the Commission reminded authorities that freedom of thought, conscience, and religion aligns with international human rights obligations such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

“These provisions must remain living principles, not dormant clauses,” the IHRC said, warning that terrorism, communal violence, and kidnappings continue to undermine national stability.

Ambassador Duru urged the government to “lead its own rescue mission” through stronger institutions, credible communication, and interfaith unity.

“The world is watching, and silence or inaction will only embolden false narratives and external interference,” he said.

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Reaffirming its commitment to partnership with Nigeria, civil society, and the international community, the International Human Rights Commission vowed to continue advancing peacebuilding and justice initiatives. It concluded that religious freedom and human dignity are not privileges but universal rights, calling for unity in confronting insecurity and rebuilding hope across the nation.

Source: Read more at freelanews.com