Public Policy Analyst and International Development Expert, Abba Kaka, has issued a stark warning regarding the deteriorating international image of Nigeria. He attributes this decline to rising insecurity and ineffective governance, calling on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the escalating violence affecting citizens. Kaka shared his concerns during an interview on ARISE News on October 20, 2023, emphasizing the need for decisive leadership in the face of ongoing crises.
Kaka pointed out that recent criticisms from prominent figures, including former US President Donald Trump, have highlighted “the rot in the system” and should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders. “The Nigerian brand is definitely affected. It’s tarnished, it’s kind of damaged,” he stated. He urged citizens to support their government during these challenging times, even amidst dissatisfaction with its performance. “99.9% of Nigerians have no other home than here,” he remarked, emphasizing the collective responsibility to rally together.
In his comments, Kaka condemned the increasing disregard for human life in Nigeria, arguing that the focus should not be on the religious identities of the victims but rather on the staggering number of lives lost. “It’s very unfortunate that human life in Nigeria doesn’t matter anymore. The point is that so many citizens are being killed, and that should be enough for the government to wake up,” he said. He highlighted that the current situation has worsened following a tweet from Trump, which drew international attention to Nigeria’s security challenges and led to discussions about potential sanctions.
Kaka criticized US delegations for their limited scope during investigations into Nigeria’s security issues, which he believes resulted in an incomplete understanding of the crisis. He noted that these delegations often overlook regions most affected by violence, such as Borno, Katsina, and Zamfara. “When several delegations came to Nigeria, they did not visit major affected states,” he explained, suggesting that a more thorough exploration would reveal the full extent of the challenges facing the nation.
Addressing the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s security sector, Kaka expressed frustration over the lack of improvement despite significant defense spending. “Enough should be enough. The President needs to wake up and accept that something is wrong. It’s not just about changing service chiefs — that is superficial,” he said. He pointed out that criminal activity, including banditry, continues to flourish in markets across Katsina and Gusau, raising concerns about safety even in the capital, Abuja.
The growing concern from foreign powers, Kaka argued, should prompt the Nigerian government to critically examine its policies. “If a foreign power points fingers at you, look at where the finger is pointing. What are they seeing that you are not seeing?” he advised, underscoring the need for self-reflection among Nigerian leaders.
Kaka also connected the renewed attention from the US to broader geopolitical dynamics in Africa. He suggested that the Trump administration’s criticism is partially motivated by a desire to reassert influence in the region as countries like China and Russia expand their presence. “This is more of a geoeconomic message,” he asserted, indicating that such scrutiny serves as a catalyst for change.
Concluding his remarks, Kaka emphasized that the primary focus should be on safeguarding Nigerian lives rather than engaging in political distractions. “The government is responsible for these killings. There’s widespread failure in security, and the people are going through a lot. The President must fix security in the next two years before the election — that’s what we need,” he concluded, urging immediate action to restore safety and confidence in the nation.
