Former Nigerian presidential candidate Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has voiced concern over recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern.” Kwankwaso responded on his Facebook page, stressing that Nigeria is a sovereign nation confronting security challenges caused by outlaws, not by religious or ethnic conflicts. He noted that insecurity in the country does not discriminate on the basis of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
Kwankwaso urged the United States to provide modern technology to help Nigeria combat these security threats rather than issuing threats that could further polarize the nation. He suggested that U.S. assistance in the form of cutting‑edge technology would enable Nigerian authorities to address the security problems more effectively.
In addition, Kwankwaso called on the Nigerian government to engage diplomatically with the United States. He proposed appointing special envoys—distinguished diplomats—to interact with the American government and recommended that Nigeria assign permanent ambassadors to represent its interests on the international stage. According to Kwankwaso, such steps would strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The former candidate also appealed to Nigerians to remain united, emphasizing that unity is crucial in the face of external challenges. He urged his fellow citizens to prioritize “unity of belonging over division,” describing the moment as an important one for national cohesion.
Kwankwaso’s statement comes amid a wave of security challenges in Nigeria, including terrorism and banditry. The U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” has sparked concern among Nigerian leaders, many of whom are calling for increased diplomatic engagement. While the Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to Trump’s comments, Kwankwaso’s remarks highlight the need for a coordinated response to external criticism. As Nigeria continues to navigate its security issues, its leaders must balance the pursuit of international cooperation with the preservation of national sovereignty.
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