Sokoto airstrike: Thank you, President Trump, for keeping your promise – Lawyer Idam

Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam says the Christmas Day US airstrikes in Sokoto have given renewed hope to oppressed Nigerians, both Christians and Muslims.

In a signed statement, Idam described the military action ordered by former US President Donald Trump as a strategic defence of the Christian faith and a long-awaited response to terrorist violence in Nigeria. While cautioning that the operation does not yet mean lasting safety for vulnerable Christians in the North, he said it has rekindled hope among those facing persecution.

Idam argued that regardless of criticisms or claims of ulterior motives, the strikes have offered relief to oppressed Nigerians and signalled a stronger stance against terrorism. He added that Nigeria’s military should study the intelligence methods used in the operation and stop making excuses now that the US is involved.

In a statement he signed, the activist lawyer said: “Thank you, President Trump, for keeping your promise. This would be the expected response from Nigerian, including myself, who have long awaited his military intervention against the monstrous terrorists killing Nigerians.

“Yet, to say this outright at the moment would be a rash delusion, if not hasty exultation, because it is not yet Uhuru for the vulnerable Christians in Northern Nigeria, where this religious rebels operate.

“Beyond the call for a sustained military offensive in all affected areas of Nigeria by the sheriff in town, there is now little debate that the 45th President of the United States is the Apostle Paul of our time, defending the Christian faith unashamedly and rekindling hope among oppressed Christians across the world.

“Does it matter that many have likened Trump’s defense of Christianity to a clever ruse aimed at appealing to the sentiments of Christians worldwide or that it is a strategic war of dominance targeting Nigeria’s natural resources?

“What truly matters is that his actions have provided hope to oppressed Nigerians whether Christian or Muslim living in the country.

“While the operation continues, the Nigerian military may need to understand the activities and methods of intelligence gathering being employed. Excuses should be over with the US military involvement.”