Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has criticised former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to label Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” describing the move and Trump’s threats of military action as misguided and potentially damaging to diplomatic relations.
In a statement released on his X handle on Sunday, November 2, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party said Nigeria’s security challenges are rooted in complex social realities that transcend religion or ethnicity.
“I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump,” Kwankwaso wrote.
“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,” he added.
Kwankwaso stressed that global cooperation and technological support, rather than hostility, were key to addressing the country’s security crises.
“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 added.
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The former Kano governor urged the Federal Government to step up diplomatic engagement with Washington by appointing special envoys and permanent ambassadors who can effectively project Nigeria’s interests abroad.
“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,” he said, calling for unity among Nigerians.
Trump’s comments, shared on his Truth Social platform, included a warning that the U.S. would suspend aid and could take military action if attacks on Christians continued.
His declaration followed the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to alleged religious persecution.
In response, President Bola Tinubu dismissed Trump’s classification as unfounded, stating that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom and coexistence.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said.