Key Takeaways
- Akinyemi alleges British interference in selecting Nigeria’s post-independence leadership.
- Claims foreign powers destabilize Nigeria via Boko Haram, citing eyewitness accounts of arms deliveries.
- Accusations of internal betrayal within Nigeria’s security forces, hindering efforts against Boko Haram.
- Belief that global powers intentionally prevent Nigeria from becoming a superpower.
The British Blueprint: Control Before Independence
According to Bolaji Akinyemi, Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, the seeds of Nigeria’s geopolitical struggles were sown long before independence. In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Akinyemi claimed that as early as 1945, the British had already identified and groomed a faction they believed they could control, to hand over power to. This wasn’t about merit; it was about manipulation.
“Nigeria had been a target before we even became independent,” Akinyemi stated. He argued that Britain deliberately sidelined prominent figures like Azikiwe and Awolowo because they were seen as uncontrollable. The goal? To maintain a grip on Nigeria even after relinquishing formal colonial rule.
Echoes of India: A Lesson Learned?
Akinyemi suggests that Britain learned a crucial lesson from India’s independence under Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru’s independent stance reportedly rattled the British, prompting them to ensure that future colonies were led by individuals they could influence. Nigeria, according to Akinyemi, became a prime example of this strategy.
Boko Haram: Foreign Hands in the Fire?
The discussion then shifted to the ongoing issue of Boko Haram and allegations of foreign interference. Akinyemi shared unsettling accounts from his time on the Boko Haram committee.
Villagers’ Eyewitness Accounts
Akinyemi recounted how local villagers consistently reported seeing helicopters piloted by white individuals landing in the dead of night, delivering arms, money, and supplies to Boko Haram. Initially, the committee members suspected French involvement. However, recent claims by US Congressman Scott Perry suggest a far more complex and disturbing reality: American involvement.
US Congressman Alleges USAID Funding
Adding fuel to the fire, Congressman Perry has alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funneling funds to terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, to the tune of $697 million annually. These allegations, if true, paint a grim picture of foreign powers actively fueling instability in Nigeria.
Internal Betrayal: Sabotage from Within?
Akinyemi didn’t just point fingers at external actors. He also highlighted instances of internal betrayal within Nigeria’s own security forces. He claimed that some officers were compromised by foreign interests, actively sabotaging efforts to combat Boko Haram.
Orders to Stand Down
According to Akinyemi, there were instances where Nigerian soldiers had Boko Haram fighters in their sights, ready to engage, only to be ordered by their superiors to stand down. Such orders suggest a high level of infiltration and collusion with foreign actors, undermining the country’s ability to defend itself.
A Conspiracy Against a Rising Power?
Akinyemi believes that global powers have a vested interest in keeping Nigeria destabilized. He argues that no Western nation wants to see a strong, black African country emerge as a global superpower, fearing it would disrupt the existing racial dynamics within the global north.
Washington Conference Revelation
He cited a discussion at a Washington conference where it was openly suggested that a powerful Nigeria would challenge the racial status quo. This sentiment echoes the experiences of other African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, who faced significant opposition for their pan-Africanist ambitions.
Nigeria’s Destiny: A Call to Action
Akinyemi’s claims serve as a stark warning about the forces at play in Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape. His statements underscore the need for vigilance, transparency, and a commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty from both external manipulation and internal corruption.
The Way Forward
Nigeria must strengthen its institutions, promote good governance, and foster a sense of national unity to overcome these challenges. Only then can it realize its full potential and take its rightful place on the global stage.
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