Following the threats by President Donald Trump to invade Nigeria over what he described “as genocide against Christians”, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso has said that Nigeria is a sovereign nation.
He said rather than threaten that he would sanction a military invasion, the Trump administration should rather support Nigeria in the fight against terror.
While other opposition leaders like Peter Obi of Labour party, and Atiku Abubakar or African Democratic Congress (ADC) play the ostrich, Kwankwaso was the first to speak out on the issue in a state issued on Sunday.
He noted: “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.”