Trump ‘ll crave for Nigeria if…— Dr. Ogbonnia

Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, is Secretary General of the Nigeria Union Diaspora, NUD in the United States, a group that represents the interest of the Nigerian American Community in the United States. Dr. Ogbonnia, who registered as a Republican speaks on the expectations of the Nigerian community from the Trump administration. Excerpts:

EXPECTATIONS: President Trump may turn out better for Nigeria, after all. He gained power on the mantra of protectionism or new American independence. He also made it clear that his relationships with foreign countries will be on mutually beneficial terms.

Ogbonnia

An ideal way to relate with Trump’s regime, therefore, has to be from a position of strength. Let us outline for Mr. Trump the Nigeria’s value to America, and we will earn respect. And we have so much to be proud of. We can leverage our population, natural and human resources, and cordial economic relationships to other larger powers like Russia, China, UK, etc. If strategically presented, Trump will be looking for Nigeria, not the other way round.

Nigeria needs a dramatic shift from its current subservient profile to a truly independent profile, particularly on economic and security matters. An independent profile calls for Nigeria to discard its docile mentality of viewing America as the Big Brother. It calls for being able to secure our waters and people instead of depending or hoping on America.

How can that be done?

The exceptional Nigerian spirit that has been exemplified in the United States and other large economies and there is no reason we cannot replicate such feat within Nigeria. It is all about investing in Nigeria, using the right talents, relying less on imported goods and promoting Made-in-Nigeria goods. And we can do it. That is what Trump wants to hear from Nigeria, and that is what we need. As Trump would say, What do we have to lose?”.

Paraphrasing an American president, let us focus on what we can do to benefit our country, Nigeria, and not what America can do for us. This is the kind of posture we (the Nigerian Union Diaspora) took in our preliminary communications with Trump’s Transition team, and that quickly got their attention.

Trump should push transparency in US-Nigeria ties — Ibrahim

WHAT are your expectations:

We are expecting Trump administration to critically look at the area of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and America particularly in the area of transparency and accountability by the multinational corporations from America many of whom have been fingered as collaborators in siphoning public funds through unethical tax invasion; also helping to corrupt public institutions in Nigeria.

Auwal Ibrahim

Therefore, we want the Trump administration to take drastic measures against corporate organizations and individuals in America that are contributing towards the corruption of public officials. We also expect the Trump administration to continue with development support and partnership with Nigerian government on the key areas highlighted. In this regard, we expect deliberate support to civil society organizations in Nigeria as non-state actors to ensure transparency and accountability in government and consolidate democratic norms.

Will Trump help bolster Nigeria’s economy and security?

If the Nigerian government presents itself as a credible, responsible, democratic and transparent, the Trump administration would have no option than to work towards continued relationship with Nigeria.

Lessons for Nigeria on the Trump transition

The last elections in America have proven that it is not a do or die affair; it is about serving the people and bringing in convincing reasons for people to vote for you but most particularly, the lesson to learn is to accept defeat when an election is lost.