Kwankwaso to Trump: Help Nigeria fight insecurity, not issue threats

Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano state, has expressed concern over recent comments by US President Donald Trump following his designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern”.

On Friday, Trump tagged Nigeria a “country of particular concern”, and accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to attacks on Christians.

In an X post on Sunday, Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), said Trump’s remarks were worrisome and could further strain Nigeria’s unity if not handled with caution.

He noted that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation facing complex security challenges that cut across religious and ethnic lines.

“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country,” Kwankwaso said.

“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs.”

The former governor urged the US to support Nigeria with advanced technology to tackle insecurity rather than issue statements that could heighten divisions.

“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he said.

Kwankwaso also called on the federal government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Washington by appointing seasoned envoys and permanent ambassadors.

“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government,” he said.

“Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.”

He appealed to Nigerians to remain united in the face of external pressures, saying this was a defining moment for the country.

“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division,” he added.

President Bola Tinubu had rejected Trump’s labelling of Nigeria, saying Nigeria remains a democracy anchored on constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and belief.