Dare Babalola
Former Governor of Sokoto State and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, has stated that Nigeria is not facing religious crisis as labeled by the United States President, Donald Trump.
Tambuwal, while speaking with newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday, described Nigeria’s current security situation as “very concerning and alarming,” warning political leaders and the international community against politicising the country’s deepening insecurity.
He described the designation as “quite unfortunate,” arguing it failed to capture Nigeria’s security challenges’ true nature and complexity.
“I would like to believe that President Trump and the American government did not get the full grasp and appreciation of the Nigerian situation.
“What we are facing is not a religious crisis but a security crisis affecting Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds,” Tambuwal said.
The ex-governor backed the Vatican’s stance on Nigeria, noting the Pope correctly recognised Nigerians, Christians and Muslims, as victims of rampant insecurity.
“These marauders do not represent any religion. How else can one explain what they are doing in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and other states? They are common criminals, after every soul that comes across them,” he added.
Tambuwal stressed that insecurity has become a national problem that transcends politics, ethnicity, and religion, insisting that collective action is urgently needed.
“You can’t even go to the mosque; you can’t go to church safely. So this is not about a particular section of the country or a particular religion. It is about Nigeria,” he said.
He called on the United States and other global partners to reconsider their stance and instead support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in addressing the crisis.
“It’s not about Bola Tinubu as a person. It’s not about APC or party politics. It’s about our country.
“Any country—America, France, the UK, Canada—that can support Nigeria to overcome insecurity should please do so,” Tambuwal said.
Drawing from his experience as a former governor, Tambuwal recalled how all 36 governors, regardless of party affiliation, once jointly supported the Buhari administration to procure military assets to strengthen national security.
“At that time, about one billion dollars was taken from consolidated revenue funds to acquire Tucano aircraft. It wasn’t about party politics,” he said.
However, he alleged that Nigeria was unable to fully deploy the aircraft because the United States did not supply all the necessary components.
“The Nigerian Air Force did not receive the full complement of the Tucano assets, which limited their deployment,” Tambuwal noted.
He urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to rise above political differences and work together to confront the insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods across the country.
“As leaders, we must support the government locally and nationally. Everyone is affected. This is a Nigerian problem that requires Nigerian solutions, supported by our friends globally,” he said.
Tambuwal also appealed to the media to continue playing a responsible role by reporting accurately and objectively.
“I appeal to journalists to analyse issues objectively and draw the attention of governments to what Nigerians are facing. All of us, the media included, are involved in finding solutions,” he added.
