U.S. Religious Freedom Counsel Criticizes Kwankwaso Over Comment on Trump’s Nigeria Remarks
U.S. lawyer Sean Nelson has criticized former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over his reaction to Donald Trump’s comments on Nigeria.
Nelson questioned Kwankwaso’s stance on religious freedom, citing Kano’s blasphemy laws.
Senior Counsel at Global Religious Freedom, Sean Nelson, has faulted former Kano State governor and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over his comments addressing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement on Nigeria.
Kwankwaso had earlier issued a statement on his verified X account, urging calm and diplomatic dialogue in response to Trump’s recent remarks describing Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution. He emphasized that insecurity in the country affects all citizens regardless of faith, ethnicity, or politics, and called for cooperation rather than confrontation.
“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” Kwankwaso wrote. He added that the U.S. should support Nigeria with advanced technology to fight insecurity instead of making statements that could worsen division.
He also encouraged the Nigerian government to strengthen international relations by appointing special envoys and ambassadors to engage Washington and other global partners.
However, Nelson reacted strongly to the former governor’s statement, questioning his credibility on issues of religious tolerance. Quoting Kwankwaso’s post, the U.S.-based counsel pointed out that Kano State, where Kwankwaso once served as governor, is currently attempting to enforce death sentences for alleged blasphemy under its Sharia laws.
“This is the former governor of Kano State, Nigeria. Kano State is currently trying to execute people for alleged blasphemy under its Sharia criminal laws,” Nelson wrote, implying that Kwankwaso should address religious freedom issues at home before commenting on Trump’s concerns.
