Recent reports suggesting that China has warned the United States to allow Nigeria to handle its internal affairs have sparked discussions across the country. However, before anyone begins to celebrate this supposed diplomatic backing, we must recognize a critical reality — China lacks both the influence and the will to confront the United States over Nigeria’s domestic issues.
History offers clear lessons. Only months ago, under former President Donald J. Trump, the United States reportedly conducted a covert operation in Iran — a nation with strong military ties to both China and Russia. In that mission, a nuclear facility buried nearly 30 feet underground was allegedly destroyed. Iran did not even realize what had happened until after the operation was complete and its airspace had been temporarily seized.
And what was the reaction from China and Russia afterward? Silence. Neither country challenged the United States. That silence revealed the true limits of their global influence.
This should serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a leader known for his political acumen, must act decisively to confront the nation’s growing internal security challenges. The United States has already made its stance clear: if Nigeria fails to stabilize itself, foreign intervention could become inevitable.
President Tinubu must therefore avoid leaning on advice or assurances from foreign powers, particularly China and Russia, whose support is often symbolic at best. Nigeria’s sovereignty will not be preserved through diplomatic rhetoric but through effective, homegrown leadership and decisive action.
In essence, this is a moment for Nigeria to take full responsibility for its internal affairs. President Tinubu must act — not to impress the international community, but to safeguard the peace, dignity, and future of our nation.
