A constitutional lawyer, Barrister Ibrahim Haruna-Raheemat Esq, has clarified the legal and diplomatic implications of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to invade Nigeria, describing the statement as a grave violation of international norms and a fundamental international blunder.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Source, the legal expert stressed that no foreign president, including Trump, has the constitutional or legal authority to order an invasion of Nigeria, which remains a sovereign nation under both domestic and international legal frameworks.
According to her, Nigeria’s sovereignty is firmly protected under the United Nations Charter, particularly Articles 2(1) and 2(7), which prohibit interference in the internal affairs of member states.
She explained that any military action carried out without Nigeria’s consent or authorisation from the United Nations Security Council would be unlawful, provocative and indefensible under international law.
Barrister Raheemat noted that Trump’s remarks, if interpreted literally, amount to a serious diplomatic misstep that could undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity, strain bilateral relations and set an unhealthy precedent for global interventionism.
On the steps the Federal Government should take, the lawyer advised Abuja to pursue robust diplomatic engagement with Washington to de-escalate tensions, while also seeking support from multilateral institutions such as the African Union and the United Nations to reaffirm Nigeria’s sovereignty.
She further urged the government to intensify internal security operations to demonstrate its commitment to addressing national challenges, particularly those being exploited in external political narratives.
Barrister Raheemat also confirmed that international organisations have the mandate to intervene diplomatically through mediation, advocacy and by restating global norms on sovereignty and non-interference.
She added that some geopolitical analysts view Trump’s comments as a strategic posture aimed at extracting concessions rather than a genuine intention to deploy military force.
Daily Source reports that the Federal Government has yet to issue an official response, but experts warn that such inflammatory rhetoric could escalate tensions if not promptly addressed.
