Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has strongly criticized the recent decision by the United States government to label Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Speaking to journalists in Sokoto on Saturday, December 20, 2025, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives described the designation as both worrisome and unfortunate.
Misrepresentation of Nigeria's Security Reality
Tambuwal argued that the classification, reportedly endorsed by US President Donald Trump, fails to accurately portray the security situation in Nigeria. He emphasized that the nation's challenges are fundamentally criminal in nature and not driven by religious motives. "I like to believe that the description by President Donald Trump and the American government of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is quite unfortunate. I do not think President Trump was fully briefed about the Nigerian situation," Tambuwal stated.
He aligned his views with the position of the Pope, noting that Nigerians from all faiths are victims of rampant insecurity. The senator pointed to the activities of criminal groups in northwestern states like Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi as evidence. "These marauders are not representing any religion. If they were, how do you explain what they are doing in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi?" he questioned.
A Call for Collective Action and US Support
Tambuwal stressed that insecurity in Nigeria cuts across religious and social divides, with criminals attacking indiscriminately. He called for the collective support of Nigerians and the international community for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to overcome these hurdles. He warned against politicizing the crisis, describing it as a national problem that transcends political parties.
"This challenge is not about President Bola Tinubu or any political party. It is about Nigeria, our country," he affirmed. To illustrate past bipartisan cooperation, he recalled how all 36 state governors, despite party differences, united under former President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the withdrawal of about $1 billion for purchasing Tucano fighter jets from the US.
Appeal for Reconsideration and Full Cooperation
However, Tambuwal expressed disappointment that the United States did not supply Nigeria with all critical components of the Tucano aircraft, hampering their effective use by the Nigerian Air Force. He directly appealed to President Trump to look beyond any personal or political differences with President Tinubu and consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
The former governor concluded by urging the US government to reconsider the CPC designation and instead assist the Tinubu administration in tackling security threats. He also called on Nigerian journalists to report on security issues objectively and responsibly, noting that sincere analysis is vital to the national fight against insecurity.
