Bolaji Akinyemi claims foreign powers have historically destabilized Nigeria, starting from British control over leadership choices before independence. He links current challenges, including Boko Haram, to both foreign manipulation and internal security betrayals, suggesting that Western nations fear a powerful Nigeria could disrupt global racial dynamics.
Bolaji Akinyemi, former Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, claims that foreign powers have historically destabilized Nigeria, a trend he traces back to British colonial rule before Nigeria’s independence. In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Akinyemi discussed allegations made by US Congressman Scott Perry regarding American funding to terrorist organizations like Boko Haram, stating that this interference has roots extending back to the 1940s, particularly in the British choice of leadership they considered manageable.
Akinyemi highlighted that the British deliberately handed over power to a less developed faction in Nigeria in 1945, someone they believed they could control. He noted, “Nigeria had been a target before we even became independent…they [British] picked an elite that they think they can control.” Such actions were informed by lessons learned from India’s independence from British control, leading to a strategic orchestration of leadership dynamics in Nigeria.
In addressing how external forces contribute to Nigeria’s instability today, Akinyemi recounted alarming reports from his time on a Boko Haram committee. Local villagers claimed they witnessed helicopters, allegedly piloted by individuals of foreign descent, delivering weapons and supplies to Boko Haram. Initially suspected to be French, recent statements suggest American involvement.
He shared chilling observations, noting, “villagers kept telling us that in the middle of the night, helicopters piloted by white people kept landing…offloading guns, goods and all kinds of things.” The acknowledgment by a US congressman of American operators’ involvement underscores ongoing tensions between Nigeria and Western powers regarding military support and intervention.
Furthermore, Akinyemi pointed to issues of internal betrayal within Nigeria’s security forces, indicating that some were compromised by foreign interests. He reported instances where soldiers were ordered to refrain from firing on Boko Haram fighters they had targeted, hinting at collusion between foreign and local forces that undermines Nigeria’s security apparatus.
The former minister posited that Western nations, particularly the US and France, have vested interests in maintaining Nigeria’s instability, fearing that a strong Nigeria could disrupt global power dynamics. Citing discussions at a Washington conference, he concluded that there exists reluctance among these nations for any African country to rise as a superpower, suggesting that Nigeria’s strength would challenge prevailing racial hierarchies.
Akinyemi’s assertions reveal a complex interplay of foreign manipulation and internal dynamics contributing to Nigeria’s ongoing struggles, encompassing historical context and contemporary geopolitical considerations.
The insights from Bolaji Akinyemi highlight a historical pattern of foreign manipulation in Nigeria’s governance and geopolitical stability. This manipulation dates back to British colonialism and continues with modern-day allegations of foreign involvement in local terrorist activities. The dialogue emphasizes how superpowers benefit from Nigeria’s instability, reinforcing challenges in achieving national security and sovereignty.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
