Professor Mojubaolu Okome, a US‑based expert in international politics, has warned the Nigerian government to treat President Donald Trump’s threats of military action as a genuine national‑security risk. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in New York, she discussed the escalating security crisis in parts of Nigeria and the international response.
Okome, a seasoned scholar of geopolitics, emphasized that while Trump’s rhetoric is dangerous and should be openly rejected, it cannot be dismissed outright. She noted that Nigeria’s inability to maintain a strong diplomatic presence undermines its global sovereignty posture. As a Distinguished Higher‑Ed Ambassador for the 2025‑26 Council on Foreign Relations Education Programme, Okome also cautioned against Nigerians’ calls for foreign intervention, describing them as naive.
According to Okome, the United States would intervene in Nigeria only if it serves American strategic interests, such as accessing rare‑earth minerals or securing more favorable oil terms. She suggested that the U.S. might also seek to establish a military base in Nigeria, which would be a significant gain for the Trump administration. Okome questioned the expectation of magnanimity from a leader who has made derogatory comments about Black people and referred to Nigeria as a “shit‑hole” country.
Okome criticized successive Nigerian governments for their poor handling of the security situation, noting that they respond to foreign pressure only when threatened with intervention. She urged the Nigerian government to take responsibility for its security challenges rather than relying on foreign powers. “Let Nigeria take charge of its own business,” she said, adding that the country can address its security issues without compromising its sovereignty.
The security situation in Nigeria has long been a concern, with various regions experiencing violence and instability. The international community is watching closely, with some countries offering support and others threatening intervention. As events unfold, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will respond to these challenges and whether it can maintain its sovereignty amid external pressure.
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