Former Nigerian presidential candidate Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has expressed concern over recent comments made by US President Donald Trump regarding Nigeria. Trump had designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” prompting Kwankwaso to respond via social media. In a statement on his Facebook page, Kwankwaso noted that Nigeria is a sovereign nation facing security challenges caused by outlaws, rather than religious or ethnic conflicts.
Kwankwaso emphasized that the insecurity in Nigeria does not discriminate based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs. He urged the United States to provide Nigeria with modern technology to combat insecurity, rather than issuing threats that could further polarize the country. The former presidential candidate suggested that the US could assist Nigerian authorities with cutting-edge technology to tackle security problems.
In addition, Kwankwaso called on the Nigerian government to engage with the US diplomatically, proposing the appointment of special envoys from distinguished diplomats to interact with the American government. He also recommended that Nigeria appoint permanent ambassadors to represent its interests on the international stage. This move, according to Kwankwaso, would help to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Kwankwaso appealed to Nigerians to remain united, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of external challenges. He encouraged his fellow countrymen to prioritize unity over division, saying “this is an important moment where we should emphasize unity of belonging over division.” The former presidential candidate’s statement comes at a time when Nigeria is facing numerous security challenges, including terrorism and banditry.
The US designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” has sparked concerns among Nigerian leaders, with many calling for increased diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The Nigerian government has yet to respond officially to Trump’s comments, but Kwankwaso’s statement highlights the need for a unified response to external criticisms. As Nigeria continues to navigate its security challenges, the country’s leaders must balance the need for international cooperation with the importance of maintaining national sovereignty.