Former Media Director for the Canada chapter of the APC Presidential Council, Dr Abiola Oshodi, says Nigeria needs intelligence sharing, strategic investment, not threats to tackle
By Alaba Olusola Oke
Former Media Director for the Canada chapter of the APC Presidential Council, Dr Abiola Oshodi, says Nigeria needs intelligence sharing, strategic investment, not threats to tackle her security challenges.
Oshodi disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Akure.
He was reacting to the United States President Donald Trump’s recent threat of military action in Nigeria.
He noted that although security challenges were obvious in Nigeria, the country remained sovereign entity, not a colony.
“ Yes, Nigeria has security challenges, but we are not a colony.
“No honest Nigerian will deny that our country has lost far too many of our brothers and sisters — Christians and Muslims alike including those without any affiliation to any religion .
“Every life matters, and every Nigerian death inflicts gaping wounds on our collective national conscience. However, acknowledging our challenges does not give foreign powers the right to lecture us with condescending tones and veiled threats,” he stated.
The APC chieftain who was the convener of Oshodi for Tinubu/Shettima Media Group in 2023 Presidential Election, said Nigeria with over 200 million ‘voices’ should not be waiting for a “foreign saviour.”
He acknowledged Trump’s security concern but said the U.S. President should help strengthen the war against insurgency to prevent future tragedies in Nigeria.
“ When the discussion shifts from empathy to threats of military intervention, it loses its moral standing and turns into geopolitical theatre of comedy .
“No Nigerian problem has ever been solved by intimidation abroad.
“What we need is support, intelligence sharing, and strategic investment, not threats hurled across continents like a challenge in a street fighting.
“Reducing Nigeria’s security crisis to a “Muslims versus Christians” narrative is not just misleading — it is inflammatory and dangerous,” he said.
Oshodi said Nigerians would fix Nigeria, saying her allies were welcomed.
“We do not reject cooperation. We reject coercion and we do not reject support, but we reject any claim of ownership.
“If the US truly wants to help, it can provide more intelligence support against insurgents, strengthen joint counter-terrorism initiatives and invest in development and peace-building in conflict-prone areas.
“The US should work with ECOWAS and the African Union diplomatically; assist in modernising equipment and training for our armed forces.
“That is partnership. That is respect, and that is how nations create lasting peace,” he said.
Oshodi advised Nigerians to unite, demand accountability in the war against insurgency and stronger collaborations with the international community.
“Nigeria is not perfect, but we are not helpless. We are not voiceless, and we are not waiting for foreign permission to rise.
“We are a nation with pride, capability, and destiny — and we will defend our sovereignty with intelligence, diplomacy, and determination.
“True friends do not threaten war in the name of justice. They stand beside you, not above you,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)