Senator Abdulaziz Yari, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a strong rebuke to Nigerians appealing to former United States President Donald Trump for help in addressing the country's persistent banditry and insecurity.
Elites Must Unite to Fix Nigeria, Says Former Governor
The lawmaker, who represents Zamfara West and is a former governor of Zamfara State, made his position clear during a public address in Abuja on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The event was the official flag-off of the One Nigeria Project, organized by the National Association of Former Local Government Council Chairmen (NALGON).
Senator Yari insisted that the responsibility for resolving Nigeria's multifaceted challenges rests solely with its citizens, particularly the political elite. He argued that no foreign power, including the United States, can provide solutions to Nigeria's deep-rooted problems. He estimated that the elite class, which he holds responsible for the nation's direction, numbers fewer than two million people.
"America calls itself God’s own country, but Nigeria is even more of God’s own country," Yari stated. "If Nigerians can put the country first as Americans do, we will overcome our challenges. So, elites, what exactly is the problem? Stop calling on Trump; he has no business in Nigeria. Only Nigerians can fix Nigeria."
Trump's Threats and the Fallout on Nigerian Security
The senator's comments come against the backdrop of a recent controversial statement from Donald Trump. The former US President had threatened to invade Nigeria with American military force if the government continued to allow what he described as the killing of Christians.
According to reports, this outburst had tangible negative consequences. A spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, stated on Wednesday, December 3, that Trump's initial threat contributed to an increase in attacks within Nigeria. This highlights the complex and often dangerous interplay between international rhetoric and local security dynamics.
US Imposes Visa Bans as Internal Calls for Unity Grow
In a related development, the United States government, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced the imposition of visa restrictions on individuals involved in religious persecution in Nigeria. This policy targets Nigerian officials and other actors accused of targeting people based on their religious beliefs, following weeks of sustained US pressure on Abuja to combat bandit attacks against Christians.
Senator Yari used his platform to emphasize his own loyalty to Nigeria, contrasting himself with critics who hold dual citizenship. "Those with multiple passports forget the weight of their words because they have alternatives. We do not. Our roots are here," he declared, stating he carries only a Nigerian passport.
The former governor concluded that insecurity and other national issues would be resolved if the country's elites decided to work together in the nation’s interest, rather than fueling divisions. His call for internal resolution underscores a growing debate about sovereignty and self-reliance in tackling Nigeria's security crisis, which continues to threaten the peaceful coexistence of Africa's most populous nation.
