Federal Commissioner at the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB. Hon. EJ Agbonayinma, on Wednesday called for stronger international collaboration to end terrorism and mass killings in Nigeria, saying this is not the time for divisive or negative rhetoric.
Speaking in reaction to the U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on killings in Nigeria, Agbonayinma, a former House of Representatives members said that both President Bola Tinubu and Trump mean well for the country, and their efforts should be channelled towards finding lasting peace.
According to him, ” this is not the time to start making derogatory statements. We need to be positive. Mr. Donald Trump, I believe, means well for Nigeria, and Mr. President Tinubu also means well,” he said.
The Federal Commissioner lamented that the killings of both Christians and Muslims across the country remain “an aberration and totally unacceptable,” stressing that the problem predated the current administration.
He called for enhanced support for the Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that insurgent groups like Boko Haram are sometimes better equipped than government troops.
“The Nigerian military needs support; they need to be properly equipped. It is unfortunate that the weapons in the hands of Boko Haram are sometimes more sophisticated than those of our soldiers,” Agbonayinma said. “If Mr. Trump can help through training or provision of modern weapons, that will be greatly appreciated.”
Agbonayinma also referenced a statement purportedly made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, alleging that USAID funds were misused to benefit terrorist groups in parts of the world, including Nigeria. He said such claims must be thoroughly investigated.
“These are statements made by U.S. congressmen and women that USAID funded Boko Haram in Nigeria. Are they above the law? Somebody needs to be called to answer questions,” he stated.
The former federal lawmaker emphasized that diplomatic engagement remains Nigeria’s most viable route to resolving insecurity and urged citizens to remain steadfast and support the government’s efforts.
“We need diplomatic solutions, not negativity. This is the time to be proactive. The international community must come to our aid because one Nigerian life lost is one too many,” he said.
He condemned reports of nighttime helicopter landings in insurgent-controlled areas, suggesting that such incidents point to possible foreign interests fueling instability.
“How can helicopters land at night in Nigeria without detection? That means there are undertones that some Western interests are involved. We need international cooperation to root out these enemies of peace,” he added.
Agbonayinma also used the opportunity to commend President Tinubu’s commitment to restoring national security, calling on Nigerians to rally behind his administration.
“I want to thank President Tinubu and pray that God gives him wisdom to know those who truly mean well for him and for Nigeria. He has a lot of enemies around, but I know he means well for this country,” Agbonayinma concluded.
He also expressed appreciation to Donald Trump for his concern over the killings in Nigeria but stressed that the issue has persisted through multiple administrations and requires collective international resolve to end.
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