Youth leaders in Nigeria have rejected the United States’ President’s threat of military invasion in Nigeria over allegations of Christian genocide.

The Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria, ELFON, comprising leadership of youth groups including the Arewa Youth Movement, Ohanaeze Youth Federation, Oduduwa Youth Parliament, National Association of Nigerian Students, Niger Delta Youth Front, and the Middle Belt Youth Forum, made the call in a press release on Wednesday.

The statement, signed by Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel, ELFON President, stated that Donald Trump ought to follow the path of dialogue and respect the sovereignty of Nigeria if he actually intends to assist in combating insecurity.

Part of the statement read, “We want to state that we are against any form of military invasion on our country. We urge President Donald Trump to liaise with our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the best ways he can support our Nigerian Military in the fight against terrorism, banditry and every other social vices.

“We understand the role assigned to the United States by the United Nations Convention on Counter-terrorism but then Nigeria is a sovereign nation and we can deal with our problems, our style.

“As emerging leaders of our dear nation, Nigeria, we want to warn that it is not yet time for politics and every attempt to distract our President, Bola Tinubu, from governance in any guise whatsoever will be met with stiff resistance by the majority of us, the citizens.

“Again, we want to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create a youth directorate for all the regional development commissions to boost the youth development drive in all geopolitical zones of our country.

“All hands must be on deck for a better Nigeria, irrespective of our tribes, positions, regions or religious beliefs.

“Security agencies must prosecute sponsors of terrorism and banditry in Nigeria now.

Youth coalition rejects Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria