Trump’s Threat: Pastor Tunde Bakare Breaks Silence, Issues Fresh Warning

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, has highlighted that the renewed focus of the Donald Trump administration on Nigeria is primarily influenced by strategic interests in the country’s oil, mineral resources, and emerging technologies.

During a State of the Nation Address in Lagos, Bakare noted that Nigeria’s abundant natural resources and its pivotal role in future technological value chains resonate with what he termed the “transactional” approach of the US president.

Bakare’s comments come in light of America’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to issues surrounding religious freedom, as well as Trump’s statements regarding violent incidents in Middle Belt communities.

The cleric also mentioned that following Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, he experienced what he described as a symbolic revelation indicating a significant geopolitical interest in Nigeria, tied to the global economy.

“It was clear to us that President Donald Trump was going to have a particular interest in Nigeria. Nigeria’s oil wealth and other mineral resources will be critical to the Trump presidency, as will our role in the value chain of emerging technologies,” Bakare stated.

He warned that external pressure on Nigeria’s religious fault lines could escalate tensions if not carefully managed, adding that the federal government to respond with a clear economic strategy rather than confrontation.

“President Donald Trump has proven to be a transactional leader whose threats are usually invitations to the negotiating table,” he said.

The cleric said Nigeria’s insecurity, especially in the Middle Belt, North-West and South-East, had exposed longstanding structural issues, adding that communities under constant attack feel abandoned.

He criticised the National Assembly and foreign affairs officials for being “reactive” and prioritising politics ahead of national security.

Bakare argued that stabilising the country requires both decisive military action and reconciliation, including a victims’ register and a national apology led by President Bola Tinubu.

Other proposals he outlined include community-based policing under federal coordination, expanded use of veterans and paramilitary personnel, investment in surveillance technology and deeper security cooperation with the US.