NIGERIA AND TRUMP’S INTERVENTION: A TIME FOR TRUTH AND RENEWAL
By Valentine Ozigbo
In 2018, I chaired Unusual Praise in Lagos — long before I ventured into politics. That year, our leadership team chose to dedicate the project to raising awareness and support for our brothers and sisters in Benue State, who had become victims of relentless attacks by armed militias, or whatever name one might call them.
Tragically, those same patterns of violence have since spread across our nation.
Today, as I reflect on Nigeria’s current situation — and in light of the recent decision by United States President Donald Trump to intervene — I feel compelled to speak not only as a citizen but also as someone who still deeply believes in Nigeria’s promise.
1. The Courage to Confront the Truth
Our foremost national duty is honesty. We must admit, without embellishment, that Nigeria is in crisis — one rooted in failures of governance, justice, and moral leadership.
We cannot heal what we refuse to confront.
Nigeria must be reimagined on the foundations of truth, equity, and the rule of law — upheld by accountability at every level of leadership. No amount of public relations, propaganda, or diplomatic spin can substitute for sincerity of purpose.
If we desire peace, we must first build justice. If we seek unity, we must earn trust.
2. The Urgency of Diplomatic Leadership
The statements and actions coming from Washington should have prompted an immediate, measured diplomatic response from our government.
This was an opportunity for strategic engagement — to clarify intentions, open constructive channels, and reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety and dignity of Nigerians everywhere.
I expected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to swiftly deploy a high-level diplomatic mission to Washington, aligning Nigeria’s position with both national pride and global partnership. Unfortunately, some of the official reactions so far have been unhelpful, even counterproductive.
This was not the moment for defensiveness or rhetoric. Diplomacy is not submission; it is strategy. A confident and responsible nation does not react emotionally — it responds with wisdom.
3. The Pathway to Renewal
Nigeria, as currently constituted, is unsustainable. Even what works can be improved — and what doesn’t must be urgently reformed.
I urge my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and President Tinubu’s administration to take full responsibility for both past and present failures.
We must demonstrate humility, apologise where necessary, and commit to genuine reform.
The place to start is the rule of law — rebuilding an independent and accountable judiciary, and fixing our broken electoral system.
Implementing electronic voting, ensuring real-time transmission of results, and enabling independent candidacy are not political luxuries; they are moral imperatives. A nation’s destiny cannot rise above the credibility of its elections.
4. A Call for National Dialogue and Restructuring
Beyond electoral reforms, Nigeria needs an honest, structured conversation about its future.
I strongly recommend that the Federal Government engage the leadership of The Patriots, the Fatherland Group (advocates of the Orange Union Model), and other credible national stakeholders to define priorities, allocate responsibilities, and set timelines for key restructuring steps.
A credible starting point remains the 2014 National Conference Report — a comprehensive, consensus-driven blueprint for renewal.
Our diversity should be a source of strength, not suspicion. True federalism, balanced devolution of powers, and regional autonomy within a united framework can unleash Nigeria’s true potential.
5. Restoring Hope and Order
We must also restore our moral and ethical compass.
The Nigerian state must reclaim its moral authority by ending criminality across our forests, highways, and communities — not through arbitrary force, but through justice, intelligence, and accountability.
Sponsors and perpetrators of violence must face the full weight of the law.
Security is not merely the absence of war; it is the presence of justice. And where justice stands, peace will surely follow.
6. A Vision Worth Fighting For
If these steps are taken in good faith — grounded in humility, courage, and vision — Nigeria will rise again.
History will not remember President Tinubu for the crises he inherited, but for the courage with which he transformed them — turning chaos into concord, pain into purpose, despair into direction.
Let us act decisively, take responsibility, and lead with integrity. Let us listen, empathise, and reform.
The time for renewal is now.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
