Trump Doesn’t Understand Nigeria — Senator Ali Ndume Fires Back

Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has criticized former United States President Donald Trump over his recent remarks about Nigeria, describing them as a reflection of ignorance and misinformation about the country’s realities.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, Ndume said Trump’s comments mirror the limited understanding many Americans have about Nigeria’s complex social and security challenges.

“I have been to America myself. The average American is innocent,” Ndume said. “You will find an American who lives in Ohio, grows up in Ohio, and has never been to Chicago. That’s where the problem is.”

The lawmaker, who once served as Senate Chief Whip, explained that misconceptions about Nigeria among foreigners stem largely from a narrow worldview and the global spread of misleading narratives.

According to Ndume, he had previously moved a motion in the Senate titled ‘Urgent Need to Correct the Misconception of Nigeria Being a CPC’, aimed at addressing false impressions about the country at the international level.

“They said they have set up a committee, but nothing was done, and it was treated with levity,” he added.

Ndume maintained that while Nigeria faces its share of challenges, foreigners like Trump often lack the context and understanding required to make fair assessments of the nation’s situation.