America and Destabilization of Nigeria:
Imperialistically
October 16, 2007
Posted By Abdulaziz Ahmad Abdulaziz
Events unfolding in Nigeria in recent years have for long signal bad omen to the stability of the country and its existence as a sovereign entity. The horrible scenes unmasking in all the parts of the country like a well crafted movie could not of course have happen spontaneously. The flare-ups in the volatile Niger Delta and the deliberate attempt to incite Iraq-like Sunni-Shiite clashes in Northern Nigeria through strategic ambush of prominent Islamic clerics would not have happened without some architects behind it.
Amidst the political hullabaloo in the wake of previous administration’s third term bid, the United States of America predicted the disintegration of Nigeria in fifteen years time. How did they arrive at the conclusion, no one knows. That statement from America generated a lot of commentaries and discussions especially in the media cycles. However, the issue died down no sooner then it rose, in the usual I-don’t-care attitude of Nigeria (the leaders that is) and the Nigerians (reads: the people). Looking at how things are going now in the country, one could easily conclude without the fear of doubt that Nigeria is heading toward that uninvited and uncalled collapsing as ill-willed procrastinated by the US.
Again, last month the American envoy in Nigeria issued a warning to their citizens on the security situation in the country. In the release under question, the US embassy, Abuja and the American Consulate General in Lagos alleged threat of terrorist attack on the “US and other western interests in Nigeria ”, thereby cautioned the Americans in Nigeria to watch their steps. In the same vein, the Department of Foreign and Trade of Australia later issued another security report on the alleged attack. The Australian report is even more specific as it went on to mention the exact time of the said attack and the places. According to the latter release, the attack will be in Abuja and Lagos and will take place by this time (mid of October).
However, amazingly, none of the reports identified the scientific research method they used to arrive at this common sensitive outcome. Then how did they know? Does that mean they are telling anybody that cares what they prepare to do so as to prepare for the worst to happen? A philosophical proverb of my people treatise that when there is no trench on the way, you don’t need to caution someone to take care of trenches, hence doing so means you have set something harmful on the way.
I have been monitoring America ’s ‘intrusion’ and interference in the affairs of many countries in the fast which to my chagrin but not surprise resulted in genocide as in Iraq or massive destruction and impoverishment as in Afghanistan . That’s why when of recent America start rearing its proverbial ugly head to this country I sensed some dangers ahead and became highly sceptic and suspicious.
Though there are mixed reactions in discuss such as this on whether America has hidden intention in its interaction with Nigeria (and all other developing countries to a large extent) yet I subscribe to the “pessimistic” point of view. As it happened in many countries, America is always trying to exert its influence and power in the ‘less privileged countries’ to exploit them and their resources as in Iraq’s oil or destroy those that are not dancing to its tune like the case of Afghanistan.
To borrow a phrase from the pioneer Governor General of Nigeria, Sir Lord Lugard, America’s mission to destabilise Nigeria as alleged by minds like mine, could have “dual mandate”. First, to ensure secession or at least unending battle in the Niger Delta so as to take hold of the opportunity for ‘toll free’ export (bugling?) of the region’s rich oil resources. Secondly, Northern Nigeria, which is identified as one of the homes of potential terrorist by the America ’s mapping after 9/11 bombings need to be deal with. It is their intention to eliminate any ‘terrorist movement’ the world over which is perhaps why they put the North under surveillance.
The usual tactic employed by America is to make some noises such as this on the state of affairs in a country and subsequently use any slide chance to drag itself uninvitedly. In such instances, they would camouflage on any rumble to lunch offensive. Now that they foretell the terror attack, they can stand to see that head or tail it occurs so that they would have their said prophesy come true. And in the event it happened (God forbid) they would now come to the aid? of Nigeria to get away with the terrorists and of course that will be the end of the story.
It is high time that people started showing suspicion about America ’s activities in Nigeria . The issue of deployment of US troops in Sokoto and the Gulf of Guinea and also the infiltration of spies; as the case of an American and two Germans who are recently arrested in the Niger Delta region for alleged espionage are all evidences of what I opine. These and other happenings are indications to nothing but a deliberate plan to perpetuate plan to destabilize this country.
I believe no admirer or well-wisher of anybody would always be eager to forecast (and pray for) his downfall. The America ’s prediction of Nigeria ’s collapse is indeed contrary to its pledge of being a friend to Nigeria . And God willing all such prediction will never come true and all efforts to bring Nigeria to its knees will surely be in vein.
May God help us!