Ekiti-Born UN Soldier Says He’d Rather Quit Than Fight His Homeland, Explains Why: "War"
- A soldier under the United Nations peacekeeping mission said he would quit the military if he were ever ordered to fight in Nigeria
- The soldier shared his statement on Facebook, explaining that he would not follow any orders, even those of the UN that ask him to fight in Nigeria
- The man emphasised that he would rather leave the military than take part in any invasion against his home country
A Nigerian man who is a soldier under the United Nations peacekeeping mission has vowed to quit his job as a military personnel if asked to follow the order of the US president, Donald Trump to fight in Nigeria amid the alleged genocide threat.
This comes after the US president claimed there is an ongoing genocide in Nigeria and urged the government to act immediately, warning that he would instruct the Department of War to take a certain step.
Source: Facebook
Nigerian UN soldier rejects Trump’s order
While the Nigerian government has dismissed claims of genocide, many individuals have continued to react to Donald Trump’s statement.
In a fresh statement, a Nigerian man who identified himself as a soldier declared that he would not fight against his home country.
According to a post on his Facebook page, Falegan Opeyemi David mentioned that he would quit the army if it came to that.
In his post, he revealed that he is from Ekiti, stating that his state is his life and source of strength, and that he would rather resign from the military than get involved in fighting Nigeria.
The soldier attached to the United Nations, explained that if Trump follows through with his threat, it would mean the UN would also get involved, and that could directly involve him.
Source: Facebook
However, he mentioned that he would defend his home country.
His statement read:
"If Trump gets involved in the Nigerian case, then the United Nations will get involved. Imagine being ordered to wage war in your home country. I would rather quit the military than fight in my home country. Even though terrorists are the target, I might fight for my home country to conquer bandits and terrorism.
"To be honest, I would rather quit the military than get involved. Nigeria is my hope. Ekiti is my life and source."
As his post went viral, many individuals flooded the comment section to share their thoughts.
Reactions as UN soldier addresses Trump's threats
Seegun Shegzy noted:
"Just imagine an aeroplane flying around Ogba in Ikeja and a woman shouted, "make una come outside o, the America people don come o"."
Afilabi Razak stressed:
"If Trump intervene in to the Nigeria matter in a manner that's not in the lines of international or global standard.. treating of war, or attempt to remove democrat system of government, we stand as a unity force and fight back."
Olowolafe Mummy noted:
"Truly you be confirmed Omo Ekiti born in naija you really love your town brother , God go bless you."
Femi Zidane shared:
"Honestly, if it's truly to fight banditry and terrorism in Nigeria, Yes! It's a go for me. I believes Nigerian Soldiers has tried their best but their best is not showing. It's high time Nigerian need experience forces to combat these issues."
Yetunde Ahmed said:
"I really wish this explanation can be more elaborated,to my understanding I believe if trump means well not the other way round we should be more happy cos the international military and our own military are going to work hand in hand to fight bandits so we call all be free from unnecessary killing. Outside that then I don't know why their should be war."
The statement made by the vocal and notable military personnel got the attention of Legit.ng, and we finally reached out to the individual for comments.
Honorable Opeyemi Falegan David, in an exclusive chat, clarified that he is a member of the UK Air Force while also mentioning that he is the only Black man in his squadron.
He had earlier warned against any military operation by a foreign country in Nigeria, and in an exclusive chat, a statement he made available to Legit.ng, he spoke about his experience in the UK Air Force.
Speaking about his years and experience in the force, he said:
"I have been a military personnel all through my service here at the Royal Air Force. I have been loyal to the service all through."
He mentioned some countries he has been deployed to for military operations and spoke about his loyalty to the Royal Air Force.
He continued:
"Nigeria is my home country. It will be a bit difficult to participate in such an invasion. But at the same time, I am 100 percent loyal to my agency, the Royal Air Force."
He highlighted the possibility of military operations in Nigeria by American soldiers amid the aims of genocide in the country by Donald Trump, the United States president.
Speaking about the positive side of such an operation, he said:
"Hmmmm, on the positive side, it could enhance security, help combat terrorism and insurgency, improving stability and safety."
"Capacity building, provide training and expertise to strengthen Nigeria's military and security forces. Economic benefits, potentially lead to increased foreign investment and economic growth."
On the negative side of military action in Nigeria, he added:
"While on the negative side, it could lead to sovereignty concerns, raise concerns about external interference and undermine Nigeria's autonomy. Escalate violence, lead to increased conflict and civilian casualties."
"Foster dependency, create reliance on foreign forces, hindering local security development."
"The impact would depend on factors like the scope, nature, and motivations behind the involvement, as well as Nigeria's government and people."
He acknowledged the concerns of Nigerians about the possibility of military action in Nigeria and shared his thoughts on this.
"A lot of Nigerians are concerned about the possibility of invasion. America cannot lawfully invade Nigeria on its own unless the UN Security Council authorises them to do so. Any invasion without UN authorisation will be called a crime of aggression."
"Every state or country must protect its people from genocide, and when peaceful means of resolution fail, the international community through the United Nations may intervene with the use of military force, only with authorisation of the Security Council of the United Nations. We have five permanent members: UK, France, China, Russia, America. President Trump cannot invade Nigeria by himself, it has to be a collective effort by the United Nations."
Read his post below:
In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man addressed President Donald Trump and the US Army following the American leader’s threat to send soldiers to Nigeria.
Nigerian lawyer warns Trump over military threat
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian lawyer publicly addressed President Donald Trump following his threat to send US troops to Nigeria. In a viral Facebook post, she explained the legal limitations under international law.
She mentioned that no country can lawfully invade another without meeting specific conditions and without the host nation’s consent. Her post quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion online as Nigerians weighed in on the situation and the remarks made by the US president.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
