Trump sets off the threats against Nigeria on Thursday when he announced his decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged existential threats to Christians in Nigeria.
He followed up the threats with revelation of Saturday that he has directed the Department of War to prepare for possible action in Nigeria. The Nigerian government has dismissed the claim of the US President.
Nigerians, across the divide have also been giving their opinion on the threats against their country by the US President.
But two voices that have been missing so far have been that of the 2023 presidential candidates of Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar. Both men, who had since conclusion of the 2023 election would not let an opportunity to join any controversy slip without chipping in their opinions have been silent so far.
This was in spite of the call on them by their supporters, through their social media platforms to make their opinion on the threat against Nigeria by Trump public.
Some critics have said the two presidential candidates may have considered the issue ‘too volatile’ to their ambition to run again in the 2027 presidential election, hence, their decision to keep mute.
But unlike Peter Obi and Atiku, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Presidential Candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general election has adopted what many described as ‘patriotic stance’ to the threat of the US President against Nigeria.
In a statement on Sunday, Kwankwaso said rather than threats, the United States should assist the Nigerian government with necessary equipment to tackle the problems of insecurity.
He also noted that threat by Trump that could further polarise our country, while noting that Nigeria is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws.
Kwakwaso further noted that insecurity does not distinguish between Christians or Muslims.
“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 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.”
Meanwhile, the presidency has commended Kwankwaso and others who have adopted a patriotic stand over the Trump’s threat against Nigeria.
“Thank you Senator Kwankwaso for your patriotism. This is a time for all political leaders, across the divide, to unite behind our country and speak out, as patriots,” Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu said.”
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