Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has urged the Federal Government not to succumb to pressures aimed at undermining Nigeria’s national pride, over the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by the President of the United States of America,Donald Trump.
Trump had threatened to take military action and economic blockade against Nigeria in order to take out the fundamentals allegedly persecuting Christians in the country.
Soyinka emphasized the need to engage diplomatically from a position of strength.
He further cautioned the international community to remain vigilant, warning that the normalization of “bully politics” by global powers could spell danger for emerging democracies around the world.”
He accused Donald Trump of undermining diplomatic norms and displaying authoritarian traits in his dealing with Nigerians, Nigeria and other nations, especially in Africa.
Soyinka, who spoke with BBC News on Thursday, saidTrump has repeatedly shown the tendencies of a petty-minded dictator, using the threat of power to intimidate less powerful nations,” Soyinka said during the interview.
He insisted that the United States, under Trump, has adopted a posture that disrespects the sovereignty of other countries, particularly those in Africa.
He added:“The world cannot continue to tolerate leaders who wield influence like a whip to cow others into submission.We expect cooperation, not condescension.”