Tinubu used diplomacy to prevent U.S. action against Nigeria — Aremu

2026-03-04 - 18:27

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin ILORIN — The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Isa Aremu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the deployment of diplomacy to prevent potential foreign action against Nigeria over allegations of genocide. Aremu spoke on Wednesday on the sidelines of the institute’s Fifth Ramadan Lecture Series titled, “The Role of Muslims in Supporting the Bereaved,” organised by the institute’s Muslim community in Ilorin, Kwara State. He said President Tinubu handled concerns reportedly raised by United States President Donald Trump over alleged attacks on Christians in parts of Nigeria with restraint and tact. “President Bola Tinubu used diplomacy to stop Trump from attacking Nigeria over what he described as imaginary and non-existing genocide,” Aremu said. “Rather than engage in exchanges, he remained calm and worked quietly through diplomatic channels.” According to him, the approach helped to ease tensions and prevent further strain in bilateral relations. He added that global issues require dialogue rather than confrontation. Aremu also called for diplomatic engagement in resolving international conflicts, including tensions involving the United States and Iran. “It is better to jaw-jaw than war-war because of the consequences, especially for families who bear the losses,” he said. He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite security challenges in parts of the country and emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, the guest lecturer at the event, Professor AbdulRazaq AbduMajeed Alaro of the University of Ilorin, spoke on societal responsibilities toward bereaved families. Alaro advised against borrowing to finance funeral rites and stressed the importance of settling debts incurred by the deceased before sharing inheritance. He also encouraged continued support for widows, orphans, and vulnerable families, noting that neglect of bereaved children could expose them to social vices. The lecture series focused on promoting compassion, social responsibility, and community support during times of loss.