A frontline unionist and former Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Olumoh Kolawole Nasir, has called for a measured and strategic response to the recent comments by former United States President, Donald Trump, regarding Nigeria’s security situation.
In a statement titled “My Candid Views, Opinion and Understanding of American Government’s Position as Regards Security Situation in My Country, Nigeria,” Comrade Nasir urged the Federal Government to treat the American position as an opportunity for deeper collaboration rather than confrontation.
According to him, “Judging from occurrences, circumstances and situations around the world, it is apparent and glaring that humanity is presently facing diverse challenges ranging from environmental crisis, climate change, natural disasters, wars, disputes, insurgencies, religious extremism, terrorism and economic hardships to mention but few.”
He expressed concern that despite over eight decades since the establishment of the United Nations, the world remains riddled with such crises, adding that Nigeria, as a member of the global community, is not immune.
“The recent statement by President Donald Trump of the United States of America on the security situation in Nigeria should be critically reviewed for the national stability, peace, security and prosperity of our dear country, while maintaining a robust relationship with the United States of America and other members of the globe,” Nasir said.
He noted that terrorist attacks in Nigeria remain overwhelming and called for concerted local and international efforts to address them. “The concern of the American President over the security situations in Nigeria should be acknowledged as an urgent call for optimal actions against all forms of terrorism and insecurity in the country,” he added.
Nasir advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider sending respected elder statesmen, such as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, as special envoys to engage the US government for support.
He also urged the President to establish a Presidential Advisory Council on International Affairs to strengthen Nigeria’s global diplomatic engagements.
Furthermore, he called for enhanced capacity of the Nigerian military with support from the Western world. “The Nigerian Military should be more equipped, empowered, reinvigorated and restructured with support from the western world to defend the nation and protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, both Muslims and Christians, Northerners and Southerners, in line with the Constitution,” Nasir stressed.
While appealing for stronger bilateral cooperation, the labour leader cautioned against unilateral interventions by any foreign government. “The American Government, as a friend of Nigeria, should support, partner, and collaborate with the Nigerian Government and its military services in fighting terror rather than take unilateral action without due consultations with Nigeria as an independent and sovereign nation,” he stated.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a secure and united country. “Challenges are not new in the life of a nation. The comments by the American President should provoke our government to action and strengthen our ties with the United States to intensify the fight against terrorism and insecurity.
“The Nigeria of our dreams is ours to build. Its future starts from our actions today. One love and God bless Nigeria!” Olumoh declared.