MSSN berates Trump’s “divisive” offer over killings in Nigeria, urges world leaders to tackle terrorism with neutrality

*Commends Buhari’s calmness during news conference with Trump aired on

*Urges Nigeria’s President to avoid negative influence in terrorism, corruption fight

*Trump only takes side with PDP, CAN – Respondent

“Trump’s offer shows that he is myopic and uncivilised. The pronouncement to help fight killings of Christians in a nation where innocent souls are wasted without recourse to their affiliations is a call to separatism.  One would wonder if Trump is not aware or deliberately ignored the murder of several Muslims in a mosque at the University of Maiduguri, or those killed in mosques in Yobe and Zamfara; and many other parts of the country.  We should know that the offer is a reflection of Trump’s hatred for Islam and Muslims. Such offer at this point in time is divisive, ‘unafrican’ and insincere.”

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, has reacted to United States’ President Donald Trump’s offer over killings in Nigeria, saying the offer is divisive and will therefore be unacceptable.

Trump met with Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday at the White House in Washington during which he said the US was worried about the killing of Christians in Nigeria, a statement considered to be encouraging division along religion line capable of further worsening the situation in the Africa’s most populous country.

But the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria faulted the President Trump’s offer on killings in Nigeria, saying that such an offer would further divide Nigeria.

The President of the MSSN in Lagos State, Dr. Saheed Ashafa, said in a press statement reacting to the discussions between both leaders during President Buhari’s official visit to the US on Monday.

During the visit, the Muslim Students group noted that Trump specifically read what could be described as a riot act to the Nigerian government, saying the “killing of Christians in Nigeria was unacceptable” to the American government.

Ashafa considered the Trump’s comment as one-sided and uncomplimentary, warning that Nigeria must be cautious of its relationship with the US therefore.

The group’s leader alleged that Trump’s comment signaled his hatred for Muslims and Islam in Nigeria.

He said, “Trump’s offer shows that he is myopic and uncivilised. The pronouncement to help fight killings of Christians in a nation where innocent souls are wasted without recourse to their affiliations is a call to separatism.

“One would wonder if Trump is not aware or deliberately ignored the murder of several Muslims in a mosque at the University of Maiduguri, or those killed in mosques in Yobe and Zamfara; and many other parts of the country.

“We should know that the offer is a reflection of Trump’s hatred for Islam and Muslims. Such offer at this point in time is divisive, ‘unafrican’ and insincere.”

Ashafa urged world leaders to ignore insinuations that Muslims are not against terrorism, adding that it would be more beneficial to tackle insurgency with utmost neutrality.

While commending the calmness of President Buhari during the news conference with President Trump aired on CNN, Ashafa urged him (President Buhari) to avoid negative influence in the fight against terrorism and corruption.

He added, “Let me reiterate that as Muslims we condemn and reject all forms of terrorism, insurgency and oppression in whatever name being perpetrated.

“We should also remember that in Nigeria, most families are composed of Christians and Muslims alike, just as we also have other faithful.

“Trump’s call for separatism when the world is advocating for collectivism is not a healthy offer.”

In the meantime, a Respondent, who also reacted to President Trump’s comment about “killings of Christians in Nigeria”, says the US President has only proved the extent his sense of judgment could go in viewing situation where innocent souls have lost from both Islamic and Christian faith sides.

“I can only say that Trump has taken side to show to us that he believed the lies the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and corruption encouraging People’s Democratic Party (PDP) asked him to tell Buhari when he got to the meeting with him in US.  That is not the quality of a leader who wants to mediate in making peace in a nation where people take pride committing indecencies, perpetrating corruption, impunity but also wanting to dominate the air waves shedding crocodile tears like they have done nothing evil,” he berated Trump over the comment.