Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bolaji Akinyemi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt a cautious and pragmatic approach in handling relations with the newly inaugurated U.S. President, Donald Trump. Akinyemi emphasized the need for diplomacy to protect Nigeria's interests during Trump’s tenure.
Speaking on a Monday edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, Akinyemi described Trump as a leader with a confrontational style and warned that engaging in direct conflicts with him could backfire. He advised Tinubu to prioritize dialogue and strategic negotiation over confrontation.
“Trump is known for his unpredictable and combative nature,” Akinyemi stated. “It’s crucial for Nigeria to remain diplomatic and avoid actions that could escalate tensions unnecessarily. President Tinubu must focus on fostering understanding rather than confrontation, no matter how challenging Trump's policies may seem.”
Reflecting on Trump’s inaugural address, Akinyemi expressed concern about the tone and substance of his promises, which include aggressive immigration reforms and unilateral economic policies. He described the speech as a signal of potential global disruptions, particularly for nations like Nigeria that maintain strong ties with the U.S.
“His policies on trade, immigration, and foreign relations suggest a period of significant challenges,” Akinyemi added. “President Tinubu must prepare for these realities by strengthening Nigeria's global alliances and adopting a measured approach in dealing with the U.S.”
Trump, who was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, made controversial pledges such as deporting millions of undocumented immigrants and revisiting restrictive immigration policies. These moves, according to Akinyemi, require strategic diplomacy to ensure Nigeria's interests remain safeguarded.
Akinyemi concluded by calling for a focus on multilateral cooperation, urging Nigeria to leverage its relationships with other global powers to navigate what he termed “uncertain times.”