Mr. President, I write this letter not to criticize but to caution, out of deep concern for your administration, your legacy, and the future of our nation.
Nigeria today stands at a delicate crossroads, both internally and internationally. The recent designation of our country as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States has opened a new chapter of global scrutiny. If not carefully managed, it could become a tool of political manipulation, designed by those who wish to mislead you for selfish gain.
History has a habit of repeating itself when its lessons are ignored. The same web of deception that unseated President Goodluck Jonathan is being spun again, only this time with different actors and new disguises.
Mr. President, you were part of the movement that replaced Jonathan in 2015. You know the script. And yet, some familiar traps are being quietly reset.
1. Nigeria’s Designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC)
“A man who picks a fight with his shadow forgets the sun will set.”
The U.S. designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is not just a diplomatic tag, it is a strategic test. How your government handles it will shape both your image abroad and your credibility at home.
Already, opportunistic politicians are exploiting it for cheap popularity, while religious extremists are inflaming emotions. But, Sir, Donald Trump did not accuse Islam; he spoke against terrorism. Those now beating the drums of war against America might well be the very people America seeks to expose.
We must be wise. Nigeria cannot afford reckless confrontation. We have not even defeated bandits in twenty years, shall we then threaten America, a nation that fights with satellites, drones, and robots?
Their goal is to lure your administration into a diplomatic misstep, just as they did with Goodluck Jonathan before 2015.
2. The Russian and Chinese Mirage
“Not every path leads to the village.”
Be wary of those urging you to turn your back on America and seek refuge in Russia or China. They present themselves as patriots, but many are merchants of dependency. Both Russia and China are pursuing their own interests, not Nigeria’s.
It is widely alleged that China’s illegal mining in Nigeria is protected by armed militias. Even more disturbing are allegations that Chinese interests have been arming bandits and terrorists to safeguard their illegal operations, bleeding Nigeria while pretending to be partners in development.
Russia, for all its power, could not shield its allies, not Iran, not Syria, from American strikes. Their promises often come wrapped in debt, dependency, and quiet domination.
Nigeria must remain strategically independent: cooperating with all, submitting to none. Our diplomacy should serve Nigerian interests, not foreign ambitions.
3. The Trap Behind the Removal of the Former Chief of Defence Staff
“When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot harm you.”
The removal of General Christopher Musa appears to be one of the traps into which your government may have stumbled. It was a political ambush. Those who trade in violence and sympathize with terrorists under ethnic or religious cover were never comfortable with his firm leadership.
General Musa’s directive that troops engage terrorists without waiting for approval from Abuja disrupted the comfort of those profiting from bloodshed. His refusal to negotiate with bandits who repeatedly broke peace deals exposed the hypocrisy of some northern elites.
To them, General Musa was dismantling their investment, terrorism. If terror ends, their political bargaining power disappears. Sadly, Sir, by yielding to pressure, your government may have fallen into one of their oldest traps.
4. Strengthen the War Against Terror, Not the Politics Around It
> “When you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents.”
Mr. President, never let your second-term ambition weaken your war against insurgency. The moment politics begins to dictate security, insecurity becomes a tool of politics.
Demonstrate commitment to ending terrorism, not managing it. Modernize intelligence coordination and empower the military to act decisively.
Your Excellency, you must also question the activities of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the two defence ministers, Badaru and Matawalle. What is the rationale behind compensating terrorists while neglecting victims? Why sign peace agreements with killers who have never honoured any previous agreement?
That was exactly the lament of the former Chief of Defence Staff before he was conspired against and removed. Sir, I pray that God opens your eyes to see what many Nigerians are already seeing.
Also, consider a cabinet reshuffle in the Ministry of Defence. Having both ministers from the same geopolitical zone (North-West) weakens coordination and national balance. Security must be guided by competence, not geography.
5. Prosecute Sponsors and Financiers of Terrorism
No nation can survive when violence is funded from within. Nigeria’s greatest danger is not the gun in the forest but the pen in the office that writes the cheque for destruction.
You must order the arrest and prosecution of all those who sponsor, fund, or protect terrorism, no matter their region, religion, or political connection. Justice must be blind to sentiment if peace is to be genuine.
Conclusion: Wisdom Before Ambition
Your Excellency, the enemies of progress have changed their costumes but not their mission. They will approach you as advisers, allies, and loyalists, yet their true intent is to weaken your government, divide your allies, and turn the world against you.
Lead with clarity.
Listen with caution.
Act with courage.
And remember: the greatness of a leader is not measured by how long he rules, but by what endures after he is gone.
Nasiru Jagaba
Kwassam Ward, Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State
Tel: +234 803 516 7478 | Email: jagabanasiru@gmail.com
November 5, 2025
