Politics
Kwankwaso To Trump: Respect Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Help Us Fight Insecurity
than making pronouncements that could worsen divisions
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to show respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and support its fight against insecurity rather than making pronouncements that could worsen divisions within the country.
Kwankwaso was reacting to Trump’s recent remarks in which he described Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.” The NNPP leader said while the country faces security challenges, external labeling does little to address the underlying issues or strengthen Nigeria’s ability to respond effectively.
“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,’” Kwankwaso said. “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 urged the United States to provide meaningful assistance through advanced technology, intelligence support, and stronger collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent crime. According to him, such cooperation would strengthen mutual respect between both nations and yield better outcomes than rhetoric that undermines confidence.
“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.
Kwankwaso also called on the federal government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Washington by appointing special envoys from among its seasoned diplomats and ensuring that Nigeria’s interests are properly represented through permanent ambassadors.
He said such measures would not only improve dialogue but also project Nigeria as a confident nation capable of leading constructive international relations.
Kwankwaso concluded by urging Nigerians to remain united, stressing that this moment calls for solidarity rather than division. “To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria,” he said.
