The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The message, conveyed through a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, was issued on Tuesday.
Nigeria emphasized the longstanding and robust ties between the two nations, particularly in areas such as the promotion of good governance, sustainable development, and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States under President Trump’s leadership, aimed at advancing the welfare of both nations’ citizens.
The statement further expressed Nigeria’s anticipation of continued collaboration with the U.S. on addressing global challenges and fostering mutual growth, highlighting the enduring cooperation between the two countries.
Trump was officially sworn in on Monday, marking the beginning of his presidency in a ceremony held at the Capitol Rotunda due to inclement weather.
Meanwhile, concerns regarding potential mass deportations of Nigerians in the United States under Trump’s administration have been addressed by experts. Obed Monago, Chairman Emeritus of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas, reassured Nigerian citizens in the U.S. that fears of large-scale deportations were largely unfounded. Monago cited constitutional and logistical challenges as significant barriers to such measures, noting that mass deportations would require congressional approval and substantial resources, neither of which have been allocated.
Monago further explained that local opposition from border towns and counties would complicate any large-scale deportation efforts, suggesting that Trump’s deportation threats were likely to remain unfulfilled campaign promises. However, he acknowledged that stricter immigration policies were expected, with individuals with criminal records potentially facing heightened scrutiny.
Chief Azuka Aghenu, a Nigerian technocrat in Minnesota, raised concerns about the impact of new policies on undocumented immigrants and those on visitor or business visas. Aghenu advised Nigerians to avoid illegal employment, unlawful activities, and driving under the influence, as these could attract the attention of immigration authorities. He also warned that those intending to travel to the U.S. to give birth for citizenship purposes may face stricter enforcement under the new administration’s policies.
Additionally, Aghenu expressed concern over rising medication costs under new executive actions, which may affect Nigerians on Medicare and Medicaid.
Rasheed Akinkuolie, a retired ambassador, advised Nigerians abroad to plan for their future and retirement, suggesting that prudent investments in Nigeria could offer sustainable opportunities. He encouraged adherence to African cultural values, particularly in relationships, as a means of maintaining strong ties to their heritage.
Professor Femi Otubanjo, a research professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, commented on Trump’s immigration rhetoric, attributing it to fears among some white Americans of losing political and cultural dominance due to the influx of non-white immigrants. Otubanjo labeled Trump a “racist” and an “extreme rightist,” aligning with the interests of far-right and Christian nationalist groups.
Meanwhile, Democrat-led states and civil rights groups have filed lawsuits against Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. The order seeks to deny U.S. citizenship to children born in the country to non-citizen parents. A coalition of 18 states, along with the District of Columbia and the city of San Francisco, has filed a lawsuit arguing that the order violates the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause. These lawsuits reference the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1898 decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed that children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents are entitled to citizenship.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell criticized the order, noting that it could strip citizenship from over 150,000 children born annually in the U.S. The lawsuits, which also target other executive actions by Trump, are expected to be reviewed by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston.
The White House has yet to comment on the ongoing lawsuits.
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