“Nigeria Welcomes Global Support—But Not Intimidation, Says First Lady Remi Tinubu”

According to Ireporter Online, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed that the nation welcomes foreign assistance in addressing its security challenges, but not in a manner that undermines or intimidates the country. Speaking in Abuja during a thanksgiving service for the investiture of Most Rev. Sunday Onuoha as Archbishop on Special Duties in the Methodist Church Nigeria, she expressed strong optimism that Nigeria will overcome its current security difficulties without disintegration.

Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the First Lady stressed the importance of prayer in safeguarding national unity. She urged Nigerians to pray for the nation and the church, insisting that although the country needs help like any other nation, such support must not compromise Nigeria’s dignity or sovereignty. She reassured citizens that Nigeria remains a strong, indivisible nation destined to emerge from its challenges stronger and more united, expressing hope that the coming Christmas season would be celebrated in peace.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, echoed this position, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is open to assistance from friendly nations as long as such cooperation does not create division or undermine national sovereignty. Kalu explained that the President values meaningful partnerships that foster peace, unity, and national development, stressing that Nigeria must continue engaging international allies constructively.

He commended Archbishop Onuoha for his longstanding contributions to peacebuilding, noting that religious leaders must continue to champion messages of hope and unity. Kalu maintained that Nigeria should embrace any credible foreign intervention that supports security efforts without inciting confrontation or projecting the country as weak or incapable.

In his sermon, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha raised concerns over the worsening insecurity and recent cases of kidnapping across the country. He warned that Nigeria needs urgent assistance to prevent further deterioration, noting that the country already borrows money and technology for survival and must also be willing to seek help to tackle insecurity. He criticised attempts to downplay the crisis, insisting that citizens must acknowledge the truth and push for immediate action.

Onuoha lamented that the ongoing violence is affecting the nation’s youth and vulnerable populations, stressing that when a country lacks the capacity to fix deep-rooted problems, it must allow those with expertise to help. He urged government officials and citizens not to remain silent due to diplomatic or political concerns, emphasising that the nation requires urgent intervention to safeguard future generations.

The cleric highlighted the need for honesty, national unity, and compassion, noting that hunger, suffering, and natural experiences such as rainfall have no tribe or religion. He encouraged Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divisions, emphasising that healing and progress can only occur when citizens embrace truth and accountability. He warned leaders to avoid arrogance, reminding them that power is temporary and service to humanity remains paramount.

Onuoha further stated that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of background, stressing that the perpetrators constitute a tiny fraction of the population. He called for collective action, urging citizens to reject division, abandon blame games, and prioritise national peace and security. He affirmed that Nigeria needs help immediately and should not hesitate to seek it from any willing and friendly nation.

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha also appealed for urgent action to restore peace and unity in the country, while former Senate Minority Leader Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its present challenges.