By Anthony Ada Abraham
“America First” is not just a slogan; it is how American leadership positions itself.
Sometimes I laugh when critics of America go out of their way to make the country look bad. Despite America’s dominance in global politics, smaller nations and even Europe often provoke and undermine her whenever it suits them.
I do not support any country bullying another. However, as a Nigerian, if my country had the upper hand in global affairs and was actively helping to uplift smaller nations, yet those same nations refused to show loyalty and instead constantly sought our downfall, I would have no choice but to withdraw support from them instantly.
Arab nations may be wealthy and able to sustain themselves economically, but they cannot advance or secure themselves without the backing and protection of global powers like the United States, China, and Russia, no matter how much people dislike this reality.
When the United Nations (UN) ruled against Israel and attempted to have Benjamin Netanyahu tried at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, I laughed. Everyone knew that the only vote that could make that happen was America’s, and America did not support it. Out of all those nations, America’s vote alone outweighed the rest. That was how the issue was quietly buried.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Europe and the United Nations made threats as though Russia would be completely crushed. The United States, under President Joe Biden, imposed sanctions on Russia and armed Ukraine to fight. Today, Ukraine is a shadow of its former self.
When Donald Trump said the war would not have happened in Ukraine if he were in charge, he meant it. He was a leader who preferred peace, but he also understood that something must be sacrificed, preferably not human lives.
Imagine Putin saying Russia is ready to contribute $1billion to Board of Peace, from Russian assets frozen by previous US administration. And would be used to ‘rebuild territories that suffered during hostilities between Russia and Ukraine’, that’s a big win.
The Venezuela situation was both surprising and amusing to many. People assumed Nicolás Maduro would stubbornly cling to power, but that did not happen. When America decided to act, Maduro was removed from his palace like a piece of rubbish. The lesson was clear: when America chooses not to act, others can make noise, but when it does, the outcome is swift.
When Trump spoke about the genocide of Christians in Nigeria and held Nigerian leaders accountable, many thought he was joking. It took just one tweet to destabilise Nigerian politicians and government.
Today, he has fulfilled that promise by bombing terrorist strongholds in Sokoto. He has also withdrawn America from the World Health Organisation, a move many countries see as a disaster for global health, but one that America views as saving more money for itself.
When people consistently look down on those who help them instead of appreciating and encouraging them to do more, the outcome is what we are seeing today. If America were to withdraw from the United Nations entirely, Europe would have only itself to blame. They have been pushing Trump away with one hand while demanding more money with the other.
Global politics is changing, and the New World Order is becoming clear. It is no longer business as usual. Nations must decide whether they are for America or against it.
Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, understands this reality. Because the United States is not yet ready to confront Iran directly, diplomatic tactics are being used to delay intervention–one of which is the nationwide internet blackout to hide the carnage from the world.
In Nigeria, killings happen daily, yet they are constantly denied. It took international media pressure for the government to acknowledge the kidnapping of 177 people, because our security agencies and leadership could not agree. This came after spending $9 million to launder Nigeria’s image and push a failed “misinformation” narrative.
Northern leaders and clerics remain silent as these killings continue. Some argue that forests should be guarded, and I wonder why they are so determined to protect forests rather than human lives.
They have never openly condemned the terrorists and bandits killing both Christians and Muslims. Imagine if these terrorists were Christians operating in the North, the country would be in chaos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not be afraid to act. He is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If concerns about 2027 are holding him back, he should put conscience above politics. A one-month state of emergency in all terrorist-controlled states would produce results.
He must stamp his feet on the ground and do what is necessary to end these insurgencies.
Anyone found complicit should be punished whether governors, politicians, or even civilians, Nigerians will support him. Nigeria must be his top priority.
I have always said that if Nigeria fails and leaders flee abroad with their families, they will not be safe there either. History shows that failed leaders are eventually held accountable abroad.
Nigeria must work. Insecurity which is our greatest challenge must not stop us from reaching our potential.
Our leaders must place Nigeria first, not corruption.
©️ Anthony Ada Abraham
