Huhuonline.com Editorial of December 3, 2024
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Paris, France, cloaked in the pretense of attracting foreign investment, stands as a humiliating betrayal of African independence and a gross misrepresentation of Nigeria’s stature and aspirations. As countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger expel French troops and demand economic sovereignty, Nigeria, the so-called Giant of Africa, disgracefully positioned itself as a willing enabler of the very exploitation these nations are fighting against. For decades, France has treated its former African colonies as economic vassals, profiting from their resources, currencies, and markets. The CFA franc is a glaring symbol of this parasitism, tying the economies of 14 African nations to France’s control. Yet, while these nations fight for their independence and cut ties, Nigeria, a country unencumbered by such colonial chains, chooses to embrace this parasite, legitimizing its exploitative practices with high-profile visits and diplomatic platitudes. This is not just shameful; it is unforgivable.
Tinubu’s Paris escapade was nothing short of a public relations farce; a gilded charade that blatantly disregarded the cries of millions of Nigerians grappling with deepening poverty, insecurity, and economic despair. Rather than asserting Nigeria’s leadership on the African continent, Tinubu chose to kowtow to France – a nation that continues to profit from its exploitative relationships in Africa. This visit sends an appalling message to Nigeria’s neighbors: the so-called African giant, now a pawn, is contented to dance to the tune of its western overlords while others fight for the continent’s liberation. At a time French-speaking African countries are heroically challenging decades of French neo-colonial dominance, Nigeria has shamefully chosen to grovel before its former colonial masters’ benefactor.
President Macron’s effusive praise of President Tinubu during the visit, underscores the glaring irony of Nigeria’s actions amidst Africa’s shifting political tides. While Macron lauded Tinubu as a “great leader” and visionary figure for fostering ECOWAS integration, his rhetoric starkly contrasts with the reality that many former French African colonies are courageously rejecting French neo-colonial dominance. “We have confidence that you, Mr. President, will reinforce our relationship with Nigeria, and it will cover the West Coast region, with ECOWAS playing the leading role,” Macron said, adding: “I will seek your leadership to work as partners of progress. You are the great leader of the great country in Africa.”
Tinubu’s embrace of deeper bilateral relations with France betrays the ECOWAS nations – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger – struggling to reclaim their sovereignty from exploitative French policies. Rather than aligning Nigeria with the Pan-African momentum against France’s parasitic economic practices, Tinubu’s visit tacitly endorses them, undermining the fight for regional independence. Macron’s flattery, thinly veiled as respect, serves to co-opt Nigeria into safeguarding France’s dwindling influence in Africa. This is not leadership; it is complicity, coming ahead of the planned ECOWAS summit in Abuja, where the main issue will be the ratification of the withdrawal from ECOWAS of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
France is the parasite Nigeria embraces. Tinubu has aligned himself with a system of oppression that true African leaders are dismantling. His actions undermine the continent’s collective struggle for economic and political autonomy and make Nigeria complicit in perpetuating the structures of colonial exploitation. Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, should be championing liberation, not pandering to a western power intent on preserving its grip and economic stranglehold on the continent. Tinubu’s actions diminish ECOWAS’s unity and betray Nigeria’s responsibility to inspire and lead the region. This visit reflects not visionary leadership, but a profound failure to stand with African nations asserting their independence and dignity.
Tinubu’s visit is a national embarrassment and an insult to the Nigerian people. At a time when Nigerians are enduring record-high inflation, collapsing infrastructure, and widespread insecurity, their president’s focus should be on domestic solutions, not photo opportunities in Paris. What tangible benefits did this trip bring to Nigeria? None. What it did achieve, however, was a spectacular waste of taxpayer money and a reinforcement of the perception that Tinubu prioritizes western validation over the welfare of the Nigerian people. Worse still, the timing of the visit could not be more tone-deaf.
It is difficult to reconcile the pomp of Tinubu’s Parisian engagement with the reality of Nigeria’s deep socio-economic challenges. At this inauspicious time, why prioritize a visit to France, of all places? France, a nation under increasing scrutiny for its neo-colonial grip on Africa, does not represent an ideal partner for Nigeria’s development. Its predatory economic history is incompatible with the Pan-African ideals Nigeria ought to champion. Across West Africa, anti-French sentiment is reaching fever pitch. By embracing France at this moment, Tinubu has alienated Nigeria from its neighbors and betrayed the Pan-African ideals it once championed.
Nigeria’s history is filled with moments of courage and leadership in Africa’s liberation struggles. From its support for anti-apartheid movements in South Africa to its efforts in decolonizing Angola and Zimbabwe, Nigeria once stood as a beacon of hope and strength for the continent. Today, that legacy is in tatters. Tinubu is failing to rise to the occasion. Instead of leading Africa’s charge for self-reliance and unity, Nigeria is ceding ground to nations like Mali and Burkina Faso, which have shown far greater resolve in confronting imperialist exploitation. This abdication of responsibility is a disgrace to Nigeria’s history, its people, and its potential.
If Nigeria is to reclaim its place as a leader in Africa, it must reject the hollow diplomacy of the Tinubu administration and embrace a bold, Pan-African vision. This means Nigeria must stand in solidarity with countries fighting to dismantle the CFA franc regime and end France’s neo-colonial influence. Nigeria must also foster intra-African trade and unity. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) provides a roadmap for economic self-reliance, and Nigeria must lead in implementing this vision. Also, Nigeria must prioritize the interests of its people and Africa over empty gestures of diplomacy with exploitative powers. Finally, Nigeria cannot lead Africa while its own house is in disarray. Tinubu must focus on resolving domestic issues. With millions of Nigerians still grappling with fuel subsidy removal and economic hardship, the optics of a lavish Paris visit are indefensible.
Nigeria’s position as Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy confers a natural leadership role on the continent. But the price of Tinubu’s French pandering goes beyond symbolic damage. By aligning with France, Nigeria risks alienating its African peers, whose support Abuja will need if it comes to a vote to represent Africa at the UN security council. Worse still, Tinubu’s blatant disregard for African solidarity diminishes Nigeria’s moral standing among its neighbors. How can Nigeria credibly represent Africa when its actions betray a lack of commitment to African interests?
Nigeria’s foreign policy has long been characterized by paradoxes. As a founding member of the African Union and a vocal advocate of decolonization, Nigeria should stand against any remnants of colonial exploitation. The path forward lies in building African unity, promoting self-reliance, and championing the causes of economic and political independence. This includes rejecting all forms of neo-colonialism, whether from France, China, or any other foreign power. By cozying up to France, Nigeria effectively validates the neo-colonial frameworks that keep African economies beholden to foreign powers. Tinubu must remember that the world is watching. His Paris visit is a stark reminder of how far Nigeria has strayed from its ideals. If Nigeria continues down this path of sycophancy and misplaced priorities, it risks not only irrelevance but also shame on the global stage. Nigeria must rise above this era of mediocrity and reclaim its rightful place as Africa’s true giant. Anything less is a betrayal of the continent and a disgrace to the Nigerian people.
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