By Bamidele Ademola-Olateju
Nigeria stands at delicate crossroads. The resurgence of global populism and the rhetoric of power politics are creating tremors that reach even our borders. President Donald Trump’s threat about possible U.S. military action in Nigeria, under the guise of combating “Christian genocide” must be met with clear resolve and diplomatic firmness. Nigeria must not become anyone’s proving ground or punitive project. The fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnappers and killer herdsmen is, undeniably, one of Nigeria’s gravest security challenges.
Yet it remains our fight. This fight is a complex battle rooted in our history, politics, and socio-economic realities. No foreign power, however mighty, can fully understand the nuance of our terrain or the human cost our people have borne.
Intervention from afar, especially one driven by political posturing rather than partnership, risks undoing years of progress and plunging an already fragile region into deeper turmoil.
We must remember, every “humanitarian intervention” comes with interests. The language of help often hides the logic of hegemony. Once foreign troops step on any soil, they rarely leave quickly, and the cost of their presence is always greater than the promise of their mission. Africa’s history is filled with examples of good intentions that turned into long shadows. Nigeria must respond to any threat, political or military with calm strength. Diplomacy must lead, not submission. Our leaders must speak with one voice, reminding the world that sovereignty is not negotiable, and that Nigeria’s internal security decisions cannot be outsourced.
We welcome partnership, not paternalism.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I urge you to reach out to Pentecostal leaders in Nigeria, ask them to help their influence their Evangelical counterparts who has Donald Trump ears. Asiwaju, please make it unambiguous: Nigeria will not be bullied into submission nor baited into conflict. We can accept cooperation on our terms, but never coercion under Trumps agenda. Let peace and wisdom guide our response, but let firmness guard our dignity.
If you are cheering this for religious or political reasons, you have no idea what it means. Do you know what it means to become a refugee? Do you know what it means to leave all you have ever known, including your family behind running away with only a backpack containing your essentials? The entire West African subregion cannot handle Nigerian refugees. War is not cakewalk. Many would perish including those cheering this move. Be guided!
