URGENT NEED FOR COUNCIL OF STATE: AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

URGENT NEED FOR COUNCIL OF STATE: AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

In the wake of the United States’ Allegation of Christian Genocide and the Designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, Your Excellency, Sir, there is an urgent need to convene Council of State meeting to address the matter.

May peace, wisdom and divine guidance continue to be upon you as you steer the affairs of our great nation at this critical moment in history.

I humbly write this open letter, Your Excellency, not out of disregard for established channels of communication, but out of necessity and duty. 

 _"Convening the Council of State will project confidence to both domestic and international observers – a clear demonstration that Nigeria’s leadership is united, alert and proactive in defending its sovereignty."_ 

My current position and limited access to the Presidency make it difficult for me to reach you directly. However, the gravity of recent international developments compel me, as a legal practitioner and public servant deeply committed to Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity, to raise this urgent matter through this open medium.

The Urgent Context

Your Excellency, the recent action of the United States Government – designating Nigeria a “country of particular concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution, coupled with open statements from some US officials and political figures hinting at possible sanctions and even military intervention – has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic, legal and security corridors of our dear nation.

These allegations of a so-called “Christian Genocide” in Nigeria are extremely grave. Whether rooted in misinformation, incomplete data or misrepresentation of our complex internal security realities, they carry the potential to damage our sovereignty, national image and international standing.

Why the Council of States Need to be Convened:

The Nigerian Council of State, as established under Section 153 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), exists precisely to advise the President on matters of national importance. The present crisis undoubtedly falls within this purview.

 _"A Council session will enable the Federal Government to coordinate a well-grounded diplomatic and legal response to the US designation, including the preparation of a verifiable data on religious freedom, human rights and counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria."_ 

I most humbly urge Your Excellency to summon an emergency session of the Council of State for the following reasons:

To Defend National sovereignty and Unity

The mention of possible foreign military action constitutes a direct challenge to Nigeria’s sovereignty. Bringing together former Heads of State, serving State Governors, the Chief Justice and other constitutional members will send a powerful message of national unity – that Nigerians, regardless of region, religion or political persuasion, stand together in defence of our territorial integrity and constitutional order.

To Formulate a Coherent Diplomatic Response

A Council session will enable the Federal Government to coordinate a well-grounded diplomatic and legal response to the US designation, including the preparation of verifiable data on religious freedom, human rights and counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria.

‌ _"By convening the Council of State now, Your Excellency, you will not only reaffirm our democratic institutions but also strengthen your administration’s legacy as a bridge-builder in turbulent times."_ 

It will also provide an opportunity to design a proactive engagement strategy with Washington, United Nations, ECOWAS and African Union.

To Reassess Domestic Security and Humanitarian Realities

While refuting exaggerated claims, we must also seize this opportunity to reassess our internal security operations. The Council can review updated reports from the military, police and intelligence agencies; examine patterns of violence in affected regions and recommend comprehensive measures to prevent further civilian casualties – Christian and Muslim alike.

To Reinforce National Cohesion and Prevent Religious Polarization

The allegation of a “Christian Genocide” risks inflaming sectarian tensions within Nigeria. An open, unified communication strategy emanating from the Council of State – representing all regions and faiths – will help dispel fear, correct misinformation and prevent opportunistic elements from exploiting religious sentiments.

To Address Legal and International Risks

As a lawyer, I must respectfully emphasize that any talk of foreign military intervention without Nigeria’s consent violates the United Nations Charter and International Law. Nevertheless, the threat alone can have destabilizing diplomatic and economic consequences. The Council of State can thus deliberate on the appropriate legal, diplomatic and political instruments to safeguard Nigeria’s interest under the International Law.

Economic and Reputational Considerations

The CPC designation, if left unaddressed, could discourage foreign investment, strain bilateral relations and lead to sanctions that affect development aid and security cooperation. Convening the Council of State will project confidence to both domestic and international observers – a clear demonstration that Nigeria’s leadership is united, alert and proactive in defending its sovereignty.

A Call For Strategic Statesmanship

Your Excellency, Nigeria has weathered many storms – from civil war to insurgency to international pressure – and has always emerged stronger through wise, inclusive and timely leadership. By convening the Council of State now, you will not only reaffirm our democratic institutions but also strengthen your administration’s legacy as a bridge-builder in turbulent times.

Conclusion

Mr. President, Sir, I trust that you will receive this letter in the spirit of patriotism and constructive counsel in which it is offered. History will remember that at a moment of heightened international tension, the Nigerian President listened to reasoned advice and rallied to nation’s leaders – past and present – to speak with one voice for unity, justice and peace.

May God Almighty continue to guide Your Excellency with wisdom and courage as you lead our nation forward.

Respectfully submitted,

Barrister Aminu Hussaini

Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Kano State on Justice/Constitutional Matters.

Kano, Nigeria.

aminuhussaini173@gmail.com

Dated: November 7, 2025.