Godwin Onuh Odeh, PhD & Chinenye N. Chibueze, PhD In the last few days, the security trauma that Nigeria has been contending...
Godwin Onuh Odeh, PhD & Chinenye N. Chibueze, PhD
In the last few days, the security trauma that Nigeria has been contending with for over a decade has assumed a new international dimension following Donald Trump's warning to Nigeria to put its house in order by bringing to end the incessant killing in which the Christian community appears to accounts for the largest number.
The open involvement of China and her response to the US threat to keep off and respect the territorial integrity of Nigeria as a sovereign raises more questions than answers. China and Russia, of course, are into a lot of contracts and projects in Nigeria. China especially is leading in this enterprise. The influence of America in this regard is truly minimal.
The question is, in the face of brazen insecurity driving Nigeria to a precipice, what has China offered? Is her response to the United States borne out of genuine love for Nigeria or rather to protect and continue to milk her economic cow, which it has been benefiting from its cesspool of corruption?
Certainly, China is only interested in our resources and how it will recover some of the loans it had borrowed to the nation since the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The interest of Russia too, for selfish economic gains in Nigeria.
More pointedly, China, with its track record of capital punishment by killing corrupt leaders, can it cope and take the kind of political and economic corruption prevalent in Nigeria in its land? Of course, China won't tolerate that.
China's strict policies against corruption and insecurity within its own borders are well-documented. However, its response to the US threat seems to suggest a lack of urgency in addressing similar issues in Nigeria. This contradiction highlights the need for China to take a more nuanced approach to its relationship with Nigeria, one that balances economic interests with genuine concern for the welfare of the Nigerian people.
Nigeria's security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and herdsmen attacks, have resulted in significant loss of life and economic instability. In the face of these challenges, Nigeria needs tangible support from the international community, including China.
Rather than just issuing statements, China should leverage its influence to help Nigeria address its security challenges. The nation's security agencies and policymakers are exhausted. The citizens across religious divides: Christians and Muslims are defenseless and helpless.
The international community has a responsibility to support Nigeria's efforts to address its security challenges. The US threat to invade Nigeria has highlighted the need for a more proactive approach to addressing security challenges in the region.
The European Union, the United Nations, and other international organizations should work together to provide support to Nigeria, including military training, economic assistance, and humanitarian aid.
In conclusion, China's reaction to the US threat of invading Nigeria highlights the complexities of international relations and the need for nuanced approaches to global challenges. As Nigeria navigates its security challenges, it is essential to prioritize the welfare of its citizens and seek support from countries that can provide tangible assistance.
The international community, including China, must take a more proactive role in supporting Nigeria's efforts to address its security challenges and promote stability in the region.
The following recommendations may be germane: i.China should leverage its influence to help Nigeria address its security challenges, including providing military training, intelligence sharing, or economic assistance;
ii. The international community should provide tangible support to Nigeria, including military training, economic assistance, and humanitarian aid; and
iii.Nigeria should prioritize cooperation with countries that have the capability and expertise to provide support in addressing its security challenges.
In all, cooperatively, Nigeria and the international community can address the country's security challenges and promote stability in the region. It is essential to prioritize the welfare of the Nigerian people and provide tangible support to address the country's security challenges. The international community, including China, must take a more proactive role in supporting Nigeria's efforts to address its security challenges and promote stability in the region. Dr. Godwin Onuh Odeh, Department of History and International Studies, Sokoto State University, Sokoto Nigeria and Dr. Chinenye N. Chibueze, Department of History and International Studies, Nnamdi Azikwe University Awka, Nigeria.
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