Kwankwaso faults Trump on genocide claims

• Says insecurity in Nigeria cuts across tribal, religious, political lines

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has cautioned the U S President, Donald Trump, against making divisive remarks about Nigeria.

Kwankwaso, in a post on his verified Facebook page yesterday, insisted that insecurity in Nigeria affects all tribes and religious groups.

The former governor of Kano State was reacting to the recent US declaration of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

Kwankwaso maintained that though Nigeria was faced with serious security challenges at the moment, the issues cut across ethnic, religious and political lines.

He noted that Nigeria remained a sovereign nation, capable of addressing its internal problems.

He urged the US government to assist Nigeria with technology and intelligence support rather than comments that could fuel division.

“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he said.

Kwankwaso also enjoined the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic ties with the US by appointing competent special envoys and permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests abroad.

“The Nigerian government should consider appointing special envoys from among 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 added.

He appealed to Nigerians to remain united in the face of external pressures, warning against narratives that could divide the nation.

“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division,” he held.