Trump: External narratives shouldn’t divide us – Minister

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Yusuf Atah, has called on all Nigerians, particularly citizens of the Northern region, to remain calm, prayerful, and united in the face of the recent diplomatic tension between the United States of America and Nigeria.

He said threats by the US President, Donald Trump, over alleged massacre of Christians in the country should not be a point to divide us along religious or ethnic sentiments.

“We must not allow external narratives or political misinterpretations divide us as a people.

“Nigeria’s strength has always been in its diversity and ability to overcome trials through dialogue, faith, and understanding,” the minister said.

Speaking to reporters shortly after his return from the Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia through the Aminu Kano International Airport, at the weekend, Atah expressed deep concern over the tone and sentiments emanating from both within and outside the country.

He warned against the escalation of rhetorics or actions that could inflame existing divisions, urging Northern Nigerians to avoid provocative or inciting statements capable of worsening the fragile peace in parts of the nation.

Atah appealed to religious leaders—both Islamic clerics and the Christian clergy to rise above sectarian narratives and instead commit themselves to fervent prayers for the peace, unity, and progress of Nigeria.

He emphasised that what the country needs at this critical juncture is collective faith, restraint, and patriotic support for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, he noted, continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to steering the country through its present challenges.