Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general election, has responded to the recent threat of military action against Nigeria by U.S. President Donald Trump over alleged “genocide.”
On Friday President Trump “redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern,” a label the U.S. government had previously given Nigeria under Trump in 2020.
Read Also: Presidency Reacts As Trump Threatens Military Action In Nigeria Over ‘Killing Of Christians
President Bola Tinubu reacted to the U.S. action by stating that “religious persecution has no place in the country,” and that the Nigerian Constitution “guarantees protection of citizens regardless of faith.”
However, the U.S. President reportedly was “not convinced,” and “threatened military action against Nigeria,” while accusing the Federal Government of “turning blind eyes to the ‘killing of Christians’.”
The American leader further “directed the Department of War to prepare for possible action in Nigeria.”
Read Also: Sowore Reacts As Trump Threatens Military Action In Nigeria Over ‘Killing Of Christians’
In his own statement on Sunday, Kwankwaso argued that Nigeria is a “sovereign nation” facing diverse threats from “outlaws.”
He stressed that insecurity in the country “does not distinguish between Christians or Muslims,” and instead of issuing threats, the U.S. should assist Nigeria in tackling its widespread security challenges.
Kwankwaso wrote: “I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs.
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.
“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.
“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria.”
