Former military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has warned that unity and diplomacy must be allowed to take centre stage after US president, Donald Trump, designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged Christian Genocide and also threatening to invade the country militarily if it does not stop

NAN reports that Abubakar, who is currently in London, spoke in a telephone interview and noted that comments by the US president are capable of jeopardising Nigeria’s unity.

Last Friday, Trump said he had redesignated Nigeria a “country of particular concern (CPC)” over claims of Christian genocide in the country.

He also warned the Nigerian government to “better move fast” or he would make good on his threat to stop all US aid and assistance to the country.

Trump further threatened to unleash the department of war on Nigeria to fight the terrorists “that attack our cherished Christians”.

However, in a reaction, the presidency said President Bola Tinubu and Trump would meet on the Christian genocide claim.

Reacting to the development, Abdulsalami said Trump’s comments pose a “grave threat to the country’s hard-won unity”.

The former head of state urged Nigerians to put aside their differences and unite for the sovereignty of the country in the face of external threats.

“Unity, wisdom, and diplomacy must take precedence over division and pride at this critical moment,” he said.

He added that there is a need for strategic dialogue with Trump to address the issues and de-escalate the situation.