Yari Dismisses Calls For U.S. Intervention In Nigeria’s Security Challenge
Former Zamfara State Governor and senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, on Wednesday dismissed calls for United States President Donald Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that only Nigerians can fix the country.
Yari, who spoke in Abuja at the official flag-off of the One Nigeria Project organised by the National Association of Former Local Government Council Chairmen, said the nation’s political elite have contributed significantly to divisions fueling insecurity and other national problems.
The senator urged the elite — whom he estimated to be no more than two million out of Nigeria’s total population — to put national interest above personal gain and respect the rights of the majority.
According to him, he has monitored local government administration since 1986 and believes it remains the tier of government closest to the people, yet the most underfunded.
He warned against reliance on foreign solutions.
The senator said, “America says its own country is God’s own country. This Nigeria is more of God’s own country than America.”
Drawing a comparison with American patriotism, Yari asked why Nigerian elites cannot prioritise their own nation.
“This country, it is high time we came together and put the interest of Nigeria first.
“So elites, what is the problem? You don’t love your country. If Nigeria goes down today, do you have another country?
“Stop calling on Trump. Trump has no business in Nigeria. He cannot solve the problems of Nigeria. The problem of Nigeria will be solved by Nigerians.”
Yari also pushed for a stronger financial framework for local councils, arguing that many critics of Nigeria speak recklessly because they hold foreign passports.
He said, “By speaking honestly about our country, I am not driven by sentiment or fear. I understand that many who make damning remarks about Nigeria hold multiple passports. But I have only one passport—the Nigerian green passport—and I carry it with pride.
“Those who hold dual citizenship sometimes forget the weight of their words, because they have somewhere else to run to. Their families have alternatives; we do not. That is why we will continue to speak the truth, stand firm, and remain committed to Nigeria.
“Despite our criticisms, we will continue to work and pray for this country—and for its leaders—to succeed. When those entrusted with the leadership of the country do the right thing, the positive impact comes back to all of us.”
Also speaking, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, urged governments at all levels to empower local government administrators to help curb the rising wave of insecurity, noting that grassroots actors have the closest link to vulnerable communities.
A former Benue State Governor , Samuel Ortom, appealed to Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration and avoid divisive sentiments.
He also urged state governors to release funds due to local councils.
He said governors must “ensure that money meant for Local Governments gets to them. We need to ensure there is equity, Justice and fairness in what we do.”
Earlier, NALGON Emeritus Chairman, Alhaji Shaba Ibrahim, said the One Nigeria Project was conceived as a “child of necessity” following rising political, religious and cultural divisions.
According to him, national unity has been eroded by “divisive politics, religious and cultural sentiments taking the centre stage and the spirit of unity and oneness relegated to the background.”
He urged stakeholders across sectors to support the initiative aimed at strengthening national cohesion.
Yari’s comments come amid renewed debate over the country’s handling of insecurity, following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging that Christians were being “systematically targeted and killed” in Nigeria — a claim that has sparked controversy at home and abroad.
The Presidency earlier dismissed the claims, maintaining that the administration remains resolute in the fight against terrorism.
Addressing ministers at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu said, “We assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country,” adding that Nigeria was “moving toward greater stability and economic recovery.”