*Calls for targeted sanctions on corrupt, complicit officials
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has commended United States President Donald Trump for declaring Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over persistent human rights violations and the government’s failure to protect citizens from killings and insecurity.
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He also called for targeted sanctions against corrupt government officials fueling insecurity and impunity in the country.
Trump had on Friday announced that the United States is designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over what he described as widespread attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Trump, wrote on his Truth Social account that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN — but that is the least of it.”
Frank in a statement in Abuja described the U.S. action as a bold and long-overdue decision, saying it reflects international recognition of the Nigerian government’s negligence in the face of growing atrocities and systemic corruption.
“We commend President Trump for taking this stand, it is long overdue,” Frank said.
“By this action, President Trump has shown he cares more about the welfare and safety of ordinary Nigerians than those elected to lead them.”
He said the declaration was a direct consequence of the Nigerian government’s tolerance for impunity and the deepening culture of lack of accountability in handling insecurity.
Frank urged the U.S. government to ensure that any sanctions or punitive measures arising from the CPC designation are strictly targeted at officials and their family members implicated in human rights abuses and corruption, rather than innocent Nigerians.
“We appeal to the United States to protect ordinary Nigerians from the fallout of sanctions after due investigations.
“The measures should be directed at those directly responsible for the atrocities, not at citizens already suffering from the government’s failures, Christians and non-Christians alike,” he said.
Frank accused the government of complicity in the worsening insecurity, claiming that officials know those behind the killings but continue to negotiate with insurgents and bandits instead of prosecuting them.
He said: “The truth is that this administration is not interested in ending the killings.
“Insecurity has become a business for some within the system. Corruption and impunity are the twin engines driving this crisis.”
He called on the international community, especially the U.S. and its allies, to take concrete steps to hold corrupt Nigerian officials accountable through visa bans, asset freezes, and blocking of access to illicitly acquired wealth abroad.
Frank said the global community must not remain silent while ordinary Nigerians continue to pay the price for the failure of leadership at home.
“The time for polite diplomacy is over. The world must stand with victims, not with those profiting from bloodshed.
“President Trump’s action gives hope to millions of Nigerians who feel abandoned by their own leaders,” he said.
Frank also warned that failure to act decisively will deepen Nigeria’s crisis, resulting in more deaths, displaced communities, and economic collapse.
“The recurring bloodshed is a direct reflection of governance failure.
“Officials entrusted with protecting lives must be held accountable when they fail,” he added.
Frank thanked Trump for his moral courage and urged other world leaders to emulate his example in standing up for human rights and justice.
