A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tolu Bankole, has urged the United States government to focus on freezing the assets of terror financiers and corrupt Nigerians hiding illicit wealth abroad, rather than threatening military intervention in the country.
Bankole, who serves as the APC’s National Leader for Persons with Disabilities, made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, titled “Warning Against Beating the Drums of War: Nigeria Needs Peace, Not War.”
His reaction followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who at the weekend threatened that his administration “may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists.” The comment came shortly after the U.S. designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.
The threat has triggered widespread debate globally, with some Christian groups applauding Trump’s statement, while others including rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned it as reckless and potentially destabilising.
Bankole described the rhetoric as “misplaced and dangerous,” warning that external hostility could worsen Nigeria’s fragile security situation.
“Nigeria needs peace, not war. We cannot afford another conflict. War is never the solution to our challenges; it only deepens pain, poverty, and division,” he said.
“What our nation requires now is support to strengthen democracy, boost the economy, and sustain the gains of the ongoing reforms.”
The APC chieftain called on Washington to channel its influence toward curbing corruption and terrorism financing by tracking and freezing assets of Nigerians who siphon public funds or bankroll violent groups.
“Such proceeds of corruption and banditry should be frozen and promptly returned to Nigeria’s treasury for developmental projects,” Bankole said.
“Those involved in looting the nation’s resources must be prosecuted according to the law. Allowing them to live comfortably abroad while keeping stolen funds and at the same time plotting to destabilise Nigeria is a double standard and not welcome.”
He urged the United States and other Western allies to show genuine friendship by engaging Nigeria through constructive partnerships in technology transfer, infrastructure, agriculture, and intelligence sharing to combat terrorism and improve livelihoods.
“True friends of Nigeria should work with the government in advancing policies that foster stability, transparency, and inclusive growth. This is the kind of support that strengthens nations and builds sustainable peace,” he added.
Bankole also appealed to Nigerians to avoid divisive rhetoric and remain united across ethnic and religious lines, stressing that national cohesion was vital for peace and progress.
He cautioned that any conflict whether provoked internally or externally would reverse Nigeria’s development strides and inflict untold hardship on its citizens.
“Nigeria needs collaboration, not condemnation,” he concluded.
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