Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general election, has reacted to the threat of US President, Donald Trump, to Nigeria over alleged genocide.

Ever since Nigeria publicly supported two-state solution to the Middle East crisis and spoke against killings in Gaza, there has been a campaign of alleged genocide against the country.

But the situation reached its height, on Friday, when President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

The US government under Trump had first designated Nigeria a country of particular concern in 2020.

Responding to Trump’s latest action, President Bola Tinubu had said religious persecution has no place in the country, adding that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees protection of citizens regardless of faith.

But not convinced, Trump threatened military action against Nigeria, accusing the Federal Government of turning blind eyes to the “killing of Christians”.

The American leader also directed the Department of War to prepare for possible action in Nigeria.

Responding in a statement on Sunday, Kwankwaso said Nigeria is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws.

He said insecurity does not distinguish between Christians or Muslims, adding that the US ought to assist Nigeria to tackle widespread security issues.

“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.”

“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.

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.

“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.

“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria.” (Daily Trust)