The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume appealed to the United States to rather than designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, seek ways to help the nation end the criminality and insurgency ravaging it.

Reacting to the recent designation of Nigeria as a CPC following allegations of religious intolerance in some parts of the nation by President Donald Trump, Ndume said America is in a position to help Nigeria overcome its challenges without the brewing threats by its president.

Speaking on Arise News on Tuesday, the Nigerian lawmaker urged President Bola Tinubu to make efforts to summon notable citizens who can make a genuine case on behalf of Nigeria.

Ndume called on President Tinubu to seek these important Nigerians and schedule emergency meetings with them to remedy the situation.

He said, “No, the Nigerian government has all the opportunities, number one, in the American democratic setup, you know, there is what they call the lobbyists. These are people who have contact with the high level; these are people who can talk to Donald Trump and he would listen.

“Donald Trump is surrounded by some influential people who think alike; Elon Musk and Bill Gates and all those guys. And even our president, with the right buttons and with these leaders we are blessed with, for example, the former Commonwealth Secretary General, he is respected all over the world; Kingibe is known everywhere.

“Even in the military sector, we have General Gusau, an intelligent man who has a lot of contacts worldwide, Babangida himself, we have so many people in Nigeria who can come in, but these are guys that cannot and will not ask for an appointment with Mr President to see Mr President,” Ndume stated.

The Borno lawmaker added that what Nigeria needs at the moment is to present facts and evidence that could be instrumental in countering the allegations of Christian genocide in the country and further persuade the US government to reverse its proclamation.

“Like he can call an emergency council meeting where all our elders come and then you can pick volunteers and he has a big aircraft. He can send them out to go and explain these positions.

“One good thing about the Americans, including Donald Trump is that, they have only heard one side now, and they have taken it. But if you give them the other side of the information, truthfully, with facts and figures, they will accept it,” Ndume said.

Also stating that the American leadership structure is littered with reasonable individuals, Ndume said, “Instead of labelling us as CPC, that is Country of Particular Concern, we should ask America to brand us as CSC – Country of Special Concern.”

“So that, they give us what is needed in order to finish with this criminality and all…” he added.