THE NEW NIGERIA IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD Two days ago, I predicted in one of my articles that the chain of events that culminated in the abduction of the school girls in Nigeria was bound to change a number of realities about NIgeria. I predicted that it would bring to an end reign of Boko Haram, and also it would place Jonathans future under some strain. Indeed, the outcome would be more profound. As I was making those predictions, they were being fulfilled. Yesterday, Senator McCain of the US described Nigerian Government as Nonexisiting government. Also yesterday, Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic presidential candidate in the next elections, accused President President Goodluck Jonathan’s led government of squandering Nigeria’s oil resources and indirectly aiding corruption to worsen the nation’s many problems. Of course, the average Nigerian reacts emotionally to these comments. But those who understand the world know that these comments are not idle comments and they carry consequences. These personalities move the international press, their opinions direct policies and opinions of world leaders. If these are the views they hold of Jonathan, then the President really has a lot to worry about. It means that he no longer has the benefit of their doubts and his grace period is over. Over the years, standards have fallen so badly in Nigeria. What Nigerians see and celebrate as good is usually third and fourth rate in the rest of the world. The leaders and staff who Nigerians celebrate as heroes are actually mediocres by world standard. Given that as the case, Nigerians needed the views of the rest of the world to understand that Jonathans administration has been performing at mediocre level all this while. Yet, the average Nigerian celebrates them as bright. The abduction of the school girls would change that. One more observation to make. I have read several comments in which some Nigerians worry about the effects of American intervention on our sovereignty. I laughed when I hear this because most of the commentators do not seem to understand the practical meaning of that term. Nigeria has given away a lot of its sovereignty over time, The only portion of it they retained was that portion that enable them to embezzle the resources of their country and abuse the rights of the ordinary Nigerian without the intervention of the world. Otherwise, Nigeria lost its sovereignty when it has to depend on the rest of the world for practically everything, including the air conditioners and home appliances used in Nigeria. Besides, America really did not need the permission of Nigerians to enter Nigeria to fight Boko Haram. The sect is reported to be part of Al-Quaida. American has been at war against Al-Qauida. As part of Al-Quaida, the success of Boko Haram in Nigeria is the success of Al-Qauida everywhere. America has the right to attack Al-Quaida and its affiliates anywhere in the world. So, America could have followed Al-Quaida into Nigeria without the permission of Nigerian Government, especially as the Nigerian Government is perceived to be too inept and too corrupt to be a reliable international partner in the war against Al-Quaida. So, really, Americans did not need Nigerias permission, though I am happy they obtained it. The question now is how long the Americans would stay? I dont think America would ever leave in that sense. They are here to protect Americas world interest, which includes the interest of America in making sure that no Al-Quaida affiliate is allowed a free hand to operate in Nigeria. This is a new Nigeria. Whether good or bad only time shall tell.
Posted on: Sun, 11 May 2014 21:49:02 +0000
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