Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called on Nigerians to remain united following the recent statement by former United States President Donald Trump, who designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
In a statement on Sunday, Kwankwaso expressed worry over Trump’s repeated remarks about Nigeria’s internal challenges, especially the issue of insecurity. He stressed that while the country faces serious threats from terrorists and bandits, such problems are not religious or ethnic in nature.
“I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump,” he said. “This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern.’ It is important to highlight 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 former defence minister cautioned that Trump’s statement could worsen divisions among Nigerians and urged the US to take a more constructive approach.
“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,” Kwankwaso advised.
He also called on the Nigerian government to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with the United States to ensure that the country’s image and interests are protected on the global stage.
“The government should 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 internationally,” he added.
Kwankwaso’s comments come amid controversy over Trump’s recent claims that Nigeria is committing “genocide against Christians” — a remark that has been met with anger and condemnation across Nigeria. Several Nigerian political and religious leaders have described the statement as unfair and harmful to the country’s unity.
The US government has in the past used the “country of particular concern” label for nations it believes violate religious freedom or fail to protect minority groups. Nigeria was first listed under that category in 2020 but was later removed in 2021 before being mentioned again in political debates by American figures.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians not to allow such external opinions to divide them, saying this is a time to promote unity and peace.
“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division,” he said. “God bless Nigeria.”
