A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Energy Law at the University of Lagos, Prof. Yemi Oke, has cautioned global powers against what he described as “undiplomatic distortions” of Nigeria’s internal challenges.
In a strongly worded open letter addressed to Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Donald Trump, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Canada-trained legal scholar condemned recent remarks hinting at possible U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s security situation. He warned that such posturing undermines international law and Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Prof. Oke stated that no principle of international law permits aggression, annexation, or invasion threats under any pretext.
“There are no factual, legal, or diplomatic justifications for the United States to threaten Canada or Nigeria in the first instance. Threats to a sovereign nation are not, in any way, justifiable in international law,” he said.
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He recalled similar remarks by former President Trump, who once suggested annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state, describing both comments as “undiplomatic distortions of global order and peace.”
The professor expressed confidence in the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda, stressing that Nigeria is undergoing painful but necessary changes aimed at rebuilding the economy.
“The ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra of President Tinubu is not a mere slogan. Like the U.S. and Canada, Nigeria is making hard economic decisions and radical reforms required for long-term development,” he said.
According to him, recent economic indicators show a gradual recovery, increased investor confidence, and renewed fiscal discipline. Oke noted that the administration’s commitment to transparency, anti-corruption measures, and infrastructure development is gradually restoring Nigeria’s global image.
While acknowledging the security challenges across parts of the North and Middle Belt, Oke emphasised that Nigeria requires global cooperation, not external intimidation.
“What Nigeria, a democracy of over 200 million people, needs is not threats from superpowers but military, security, and intelligence cooperation,” he stressed.
He cited recent progress in tackling insurgency in Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Benue, and Plateau states, noting that recorded attacks have declined as federal forces intensify operations.
‘Africa Needs Sincere Help, Not Mercantile Interventions’
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Oke warned against what he termed “mercantilist interventions” often disguised as humanitarian efforts. He said global powers must avoid using African instability as an excuse to pursue economic interests.
“The world often intervenes in crisis-ridden African countries not to restore peace but to repossess natural resources, gold, oil, and diamonds. Such mercantilist interventionism should never form the basis for international action,” he wrote.
He referenced historical cases in Libya, Egypt, Somalia, Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, where foreign involvement deepened instability rather than resolving it.
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Concluding his letter, Prof. Oke urged Nigerians to rise above political divisions and defend their nation’s dignity.
“Nigerians should never join hands to destroy their country by calling for needless invasion. Americans built America. Canadians built Canada. Nigerians must build Nigeria,” he wrote.
He also praised the Tinubu administration for managing Nigeria’s diversity despite initial criticisms of its Muslim-Muslim ticket. He said the government’s approach has demonstrated that national development depends on competence, not religious or ethnic sentiments.
“The pride of the U.S. and Canada lies in multiculturalism, not ethnocentrism. Nigeria shares this in common. We must deploy our diversity to become stronger,” he added.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
