The Bola Tinubu administration has commended former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for openly criticising United States President Donald Trump over the latter’s controversial comments threatening potential US military intervention in Nigeria.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, described Kwankwaso’s stance as patriotic, urging other opposition figures to put politics aside and defend Nigeria’s sovereignty in the face of what he called “external provocation.”

“Thank you Senator Kwankwaso for your patriotism. This is a time for all political leaders, across party lines, to unite behind our country and speak out as patriots,” Onanuga said

Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, had issued a firm statement warning that Trump’s remarks could inflame religious tensions and worsen insecurity in the country.

On his X handle, the former governor strongly condemned Trump’s decision to re-designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” allegedly over claims of “genocide against Christians.”

“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,” Kwankwaso said.

He urged the United States to assist Nigeria with technology and intelligence support rather than threats, and advised the Federal Government to deepen diplomatic engagement by appointing special envoys and filling ambassadorial vacancies.

“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity over division. God bless Nigeria,” Kwankwaso had stated.