By Lai Olurode
The threat by the President of America that unless the Federal Government of Nigeria stops the killings of Christians in Nigeria, it will initiate military action against the country.
Of course, over the past couple of years, Nigeria has consistently been under indiscriminate terrorist attacks. These attacks target military installations including military barracks, public institutions providing social services, vital economic and social infrastructure, all religious and worship centres have been targets and foreign offices in Nigeria as well. There’s hardly any state in the country that has not fallen victims of terrorist attacks.
As a matter of statistics, there seems to be emerging evidence that indicates that acts of terrorism are dropping under the present government.
In the perception of rational people and governments all over the world, the real reasons for Mr. Donald Trump’s contemplated action against Nigeria and for his vituperation can be categorised as racial, economic, social and political.
Without a doubt, since assuming office and during his political campaign for the White House job, Trump evidently demonstrated hatred for black Americans and generally for all coloured people. Once he assumed office, his immigration regime was one of blatant racial bigotry and hatred for the Melting Pot ideology. This is the same country that once preached how to avert the clash of civilizations. Trump isn’t a supporter of globalization or civilization.
On economic grounds, it seems that for the first time in Nigeria’s history, Nigeria’s oil industry is being revolutionised as it now refines its oil. No doubt, this shift is taking off jobs from America’s oil workers and shippers. The Dangote phenomenon must be having its toll on Americans. One is reminded of the seminar presentation by Walter Rodney in his How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. America and Europe would prefer that we remain perpetually dependent on them. Dangote’s is set to become the largest refinery industry in the world. The world’s oil conglomerates and major oil producers markets in the world will be saddened with this news. Trump must be having sleepless nights and nightmares.
Socially too, Nigerians in the diaspora are not only economic migrants but are also our social ambassadors. Nigeria’s culture cannot be ignored in America’s and European major cities. Trump and his co-travellers aren’t friends of multiculturalism which the world is becoming. Military attacks on Nigeria will certainly disrupt this inevitable social process.
Lastly, in a political sense, America’s triumph globally, feeds on fueling violence in the world’s fledgling democracy. Not many powerful countries in the world believe that Nigeria’s democracy could be uninterrupted for a quarter of a century.
In his response to Mr. Trump’s provocative moves, President Tinubu’s government should display decorum and respect for the most powerful country in a unipolar world. Nigeria shouldn’t turn itself into a theatre of war which is luring it into. Simultaneously, I urge Nigeria’s elites to sink their differences and mobilize national sentiments behind the government of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If Nigeria goes under, there will be no country for the pursuits of our diverse aspirations.
There seems to be no country that can stop America. We should be diplomatic rather than being emotional or displaying morbid patriotism. President Trump can even be angry with even the truth. So far, our government has acted with caution and with the consciousness that America can kill Nigeria’s fly with a sledge hammer. It is suicidal to walk into America’s deathtrap.
Lai Olurode is a retired Professor of Sociology in Unilag and former National Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC).