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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has cautioned United States President Donald Trump against issuing threats to Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution, stressing that cooperation and technological support would be more beneficial.
Trump had recently accused the Nigerian government of permitting what he termed the “genocide of Christians”, warning that the U.S. would not stand by while Nigeria christian population is decimated by Islamists.
Reacting, Kwankwaso rejected the genocide claim, noting that Nigeria’s security challenges affect citizens of all religions.
“There is no genocide taking place in Nigeria. We have security challenges affecting people of all faiths. Turning it into a religious war narrative is both dangerous and misleading,” he said.
The former Minister of Defence urged the U.S. to assist Nigeria with intelligence, advanced surveillance tools, border control technology and counter-terrorism training.
“What Nigeria needs is partnership collaboration in technology and capacity building not threats or provocative allegations that can inflame tension,” he stated.
Kwankwaso also admonished leaders of major faiths in the country to refrain from divisive remarks that could worsen religious tensions and polarize the nation.
“The terrorists killing Nigerians do not ask about religion before they attack. Christians, Muslims and others have all suffered. We must unite to defeat terror, not allow outside narratives to tear us apart,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has applauded Kwankwaso’s stance.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the former governor as “a patriot who spoke the right words at the right moment”.
According to Onanuga, “Kwankwaso demonstrated leadership by dismissing divisive rhetoric and calling for constructive global partnership. Nigeria needs more voices like his.”
Kwankwaso reiterated his commitment to a peaceful and united nation, urging the U.S. to engage Nigeria constructively rather than through what he called “counterproductive rhetoric”.