Just In: Hon. Bankole warns Trump over threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty, backs Tinubu’s leadership
By Ranti Thomas
A former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly Commission and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Kehinde Alex Bankole, has cautioned former U.S. President Donald Trump against making threats that could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Bankole said President Bola Tinubu deserves full support to continue delivering good governance and tackling national challenges, not distractions from external forces. He described Trump’s recent statement on possible U.S. military action against Nigeria as reckless and unacceptable.
According to Bankole, Nigeria is a sovereign nation whose independence is fully protected under international law. He explained that Article 2 of the United Nations Charter guarantees the sovereign equality of all member states, forbidding interference in their domestic affairs. “No country has the right to threaten another’s territorial integrity or political independence,” he stated.
He said the same UN provisions—Articles 2(1), 2(4), and 2(7)—make it clear that the use of force or intimidation against any member state is unlawful. “These provisions balance the right of every nation to self-determination with their responsibilities as UN members,” Bankole added.
Condemning Trump’s remarks, he said, “It is shameful that our sovereignty is now being threatened. A country hosting the largest population of black people in the world is now being ridiculed by one crazy individual in the U.S. It’s unfortunate that this is happening because past leaders failed to build strong institutions.”
He called on Nigerians to rally behind the President and work together to strengthen the nation. “We must support our country and our President. This is the time for unity, not division. We cannot afford to sit idle while outsiders insult our nation,” he said.
Bankole praised Tinubu’s handling of security and governance, noting that he has shown courage and focus in addressing key national issues. “President Tinubu has done beautifully well in the last two years. He has taken bold steps, including appointing new Service Chiefs and pushing for reforms that will make Nigeria safer and stronger,” he added.