Articles by Olarinre Salako

Technology

Diplomacy now: Why Tinubu must engage US head-on

AS a Nigerian American, I believe that the recent altercation between Nigeria and the United States is deeply worrying. What began with a post by Senator Ted Cruz on X accusing the Nigerian government of anti-Christian violence has escalated into a direct confrontation between the two presidents. President Donald Trump’s administration has designated Nigeria a *‘Country of Particular Concern’* under U.S. religious freedom law, alleging systematic persecution of Christians by Islamist extremists. Within days, he warned that U.S. aid could be halted and said he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare possible military action if Nigeria fails to stop the violence. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu publicly rejected the designation, saying it *‘does not reflect our national reality,’* and stressed that Nigeria protects freedom of worship and remains committed to religious tolerance. This moment requires diplomacy, not bravado, on both sides. Tinubu must engage Trump directly — not out of weakness, but in both nations’ interest. A Yoruba Lens on Diplomacy As an Oyo-born Yoruba man, I draw from a political tradition older than most European monarchies. In the Oyo Empire, the seven Oyo Mèsì — the kingmakers — did not award the throne by simple birthright. They weighed consultation, counsel, and the character and relationships of each prince. They also understood that every ruler carries ‘the good, the bad, and the ugly,’ so the king-elect was subjected to spiritual scrutiny by dedicated Ifá priests to guard against abuses and calamities. The system built checks and balances: if a king became tyrannical, the Oyo Mèsì could compel him to abdicate — even to take his own life. This is a culture of diplomacy, consultation, and accountability — not the blind hereditary absolutism seen elsewhere. Tinubu stands in that lineage. Nigeria does not need a shouting match with Washington. It needs disciplined, structured engagement. Nigeria’s Legacy of Global Diplomacy and Cooperation: Nigeria has a long record of responsible engagement in world affairs. Nigerian troops led West Africa’s ECOMOG missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s. Our forces have served in United Nations peacekeeping, including Darfur and the Congo. Nigeria backed decolonisation across the continent and stood firmly against apartheid in South Africa. More recently, Nigeria has partnered with Western nations on counter-terrorism and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Our ties with the United States are just as deep. Washington recognised Nigeria on our Independence Day in 1960. Programs like PEPFAR and USAID have supported health and governance. The African Growth and Opportunity Act opened U.S. markets to Nigerian exports. And Nigerian professionals in America strengthen the U.S. economy every day. Yet Nigeria now faces Boko Haram, an Islamist insurgency active since 2009 that has murdered both Christians and Muslims, displaced millions, and torn communities apart. Under late President Muhammadu Buhari, the United States — particularly under President Trump — approved the sale of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to support Nigeria’s fight against these extremists. That cooperation should not end; it should deepen. The US role: the moral duty: The United States has clear interests in Nigeria: energy, trade, regional stability, and counter-terrorism. There is also a moral claim. When extremist groups massacre civilians — including Christians — Americans feel an obligation to respond. By naming Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and threatening action, the Trump administration is signaling urgency. Whether one agrees with that framing or not, it cannot be ignored. The roots of Boko Haram are not only Nigerian. The 2011 NATO-led intervention in Libya shattered an already fragile region and flooded the Sahel with weapons and fighters. Even former President Barack Obama later said that failing to plan for ‘the day after’ in Libya was his ‘worst mistake.’ The rise of jihadist networks across West Africa — including Boko Haram — is part of that legacy. The United States therefore has not only a strategic interest but a moral duty to help stabilize the region. But that duty must be carried out with Nigeria, not imposed on Nigeria. What needs to be done – A strategic way forward: President Tinubu must now reopen diplomatic channels. He should immediately appoint a credible ambassador to Washington to restore Nigeria’s voice and give the White House, State Department, Congress, and U.S. religious freedom advocates a direct line. The non-appointment of ambassadors to the Nigerian embassies across the world for the past two years is a Tinubu’s government’s poor understanding of international relations. This is robbing Nigeria of necessary behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagements that would have resolved issues like this before it gets to this level of confrontation. He himself should visit the White House. Such a visit would signal seriousness, mutual respect, and readiness to work through differences at the highest level. Nigeria and the United States should also agree on a disciplined security framework: deeper intelligence-sharing, coordinated pressure on Boko Haram and other violent groups in the Sahel, and honest discussion of where U.S. support can help. Tinubu should make clear that Nigeria seeks partnership, not supervision. At home, just as the Oyo Mèsì sought wisdom before enthroning a king, Tinubu should convene religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, and the military to present one Nigerian voice. Nigeria must be able to show U.S. officials real steps: protection of worshippers, prosecution of bandits and insurgents, and measurable progress. Why diplomacy now matters The Trump administration’s public threat of military action is unprecedented in Nigeria–U.S. relations. An intervention without coordination would be disastrous for both countries. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy. It is not a failed state. If the 2011 intervention in Libya unleashed chaos, a heavy-handed approach to Nigeria could produce something far worse. For the United States, bypassing diplomacy would damage decades of partnership, raise dangerous questions about sovereignty, and ignite anti-American anger across Africa. Diplomacy is the only responsible path. But diplomacy is a two-way street. President Trump must choose restraint over escalation. His administration should channel America’s moral voice toward partnership, not punishment — toward cooperation, not coercion. A phone call, a meeting, or a joint envoy on religious freedom would do more for both nations than threats of war. For his part, President Tinubu also has an urgent window to show that Nigeria is not defiant for its own sake, but engaged on equal terms. He should appoint an ambassador, go to the White House, and set up a serious Nigeria–U.S. channel on security and religious freedom. If both men act now, Nigeria and America can renew a friendship that has served both nations for decades. The way forward is dialogue, trust, and cooperation — not ultimatums and not invasion. Both nations still have a chance to choose partnership over extremism. God bless Nigeria and the United States. • Salako, Ph.D., writes from Texas, USA.