Experts in international relations and political science, at a roundtable held on Wednesday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, stressed the need for the Federal Government to be circumspect in seeking assistance from the United States in the fight against terrorism.
The experts at the session included Prof Femi Otubanjo, Prof Hassan Saliu, Prof Funke Okoome, Prof Jibo Ibrahim, Prof Dapo Thomas, Magnus Onyibe, Prof Adele Jinadu and Prof Eghosa Osaghae.
Offering their perspectives on the theme, “Nigeria–USA Relations: Matters Arising,” the scholars said that while Nigeria should continue to engage with the US, it must recognise that not all help is philanthropic or born out of magnanimity.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu, following President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern, appointed National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to head Nigeria’s delegation on the US-Nigeria joint working group to deepen collaboration between the two countries on security.
Earlier this week, the United States delegation comprising the US ambassador to Nigeria and other top officials parleyed with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja, on the reported Christian persecution and killings in the country.
Leading the charge at Wednesday’s roundtable, Okoome, a professor of political science, argued that America would not assist Nigeria without seeking its own strategic gains.
She maintained that the US government may be keen on advancing its business interests in Nigeria.
