Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Rabiu Kwankwaso, has challenged US President Donald Trump to provide Nigeria with cutting-edge technology to fight insecurity, rather than threatening invasion to stop killing of Christians in Nigeria.
Last Friday, Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, accusing the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to attacks on Christians by Islamists.
In an X post on Sunday, Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, said Trump’s remarks were worrisome and could further strain Nigeria’s unity if not handled with caution.
He noted that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation facing complex security challenges that cut across religious and ethnic lines.
“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country,” Kwankwaso said.
“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs.”
The former governor urged the US to support Nigeria with advanced technology to tackle insecurity rather than issue statements that could heighten divisions.
“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 said.
Kwankwaso also called on the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Washington by appointing seasoned envoys and permanent ambassadors.
“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government,” he said.
“Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.”
