WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a bold departure from traditional diplomatic posturing, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described the recent U.S. military airstrikes on Islamist militants in Sokoto State as a “blessing,” signalling a new era of aggressive security collaboration between the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration and the Donald Trump-led White House.
Speaking exclusively to Fox News Digital during her week-long diplomatic mission to Washington, the First Lady brushed aside concerns regarding national sovereignty, arguing that the Christmas Day surgical strikes were a necessary intervention to halt the bloodshed in Northwest Nigeria.
Healing the Rift: The Washington ‘Charm Offensive’
The First Lady’s visit was specifically designed to ease longstanding tensions with U.S. lawmakers who have accused Nigeria of religious persecution and state apathy toward the killing of Christians.
- A Welcome Hand: “We welcome the collaboration,” Senator Tinubu stated, referring to the U.S. military’s direct involvement. Her comments suggest that Nigeria is now prepared to allow foreign kinetic operations on its soil to combat the terrorist cells that have long defied domestic forces.
- Religious Freedom: During her stay, she dismissed allegations of “Christian genocide” as unhelpful propaganda, insisting that the massacres in Benue, Kwara, and Katsina are banditry-driven and affect all Nigerians regardless of faith.
Controversy and Snubs
Despite the high-level meetings, the First Lady’s visit has not been without significant friction:
- The Perkins Snub: Influential U.S. broadcaster Tony Perkins refused an interview request from her team, stating he would not give a platform to “cover up” what is happening on the ground.
- Advocate Backlash: Judd Saul, Executive Director of Equipping the Persecuted, criticized the First Lady for “parading” in D.C. while 300 Christians were reportedly butchered in 72 hours back home.
The Home Front: Transparency vs. Terror
While Senator Tinubu courted international support, the political atmosphere in Abuja remained electric:
- The Obi Protest: Mr. Peter Obi was at the National Assembly gates today, leading a protest for electoral reforms, arguing that technology must be used to protect the vote, just as it is used to target terrorists.
- The Malami Factor: The ongoing terrorism financing trial of Abubakar Malami remains a central point of national interest, with many asking if the U.S. airstrikes are filling a gap created by internal complicity.
- The US Ultimatum: A U.S. Judge’s final ultimatum for the release of President Tinubu’s criminal records has added a layer of complexity to the First Lady’s “charm offensive.”
A ‘New Direction’ in Security
By labeling the U.S. airstrikes a “blessing,” the First Lady has effectively endorsed a foreign military footprint in Nigeria—a move that supporters say will bring modern technology to the fight against banditry, but which critics fear could compromise national sovereignty.
As she departs Washington, the debate shifts to whether this “Trump-Tinubu” alliance can deliver peace to a nation currently defined by ₦1,000 per litre petrol and a ₦152 trillion debt profile.
