Nigeria has again taken the big brother posturing that is of no significance whatsoever to the country’s reputation and international relevance especially within the African region. ──Ebuka Onyekwelu
Nigeria’s territorial integrity has been violated by Ghana in a most crude and unmistaken manner. That demolition of Nigeria’s property within Nigeria’s High Commission in Ghana is a big slap to Nigeria and it is important that it is seen for what it is; a deliberate attempt at challenging Nigeria’s now idle position as Africa’s big brother.
International politics and diplomacy domiciles some of the most intriguing and slippery engagements of mankind and at that level, every single action and inaction is measured and weighed carefully as sources of informed response in diplomatic and international affairs. Even body languages are altogether studied meticulously for clues on pattern of response or behavior in the international arena. Otherwise, a country can be a giant the day before and wake up the next day stripped and toppled of its coveted position earlier. The fact of the demolition is that Ghana erred massively and there are consequences for both sides.
In the instance where Nigeria fails to administer a deserving consequence to Ghana in response, then the implication is that Nigeria is playing into Ghana’s ambition and only a matter of time, Nigeria will become irrelevant even within the ECOWAS zone. For Ghana, it is a bold step at putting Nigeria to check and testing the waters of leading West Africa and unseating Nigeria. For Nigeria, it is about showing that is it still in charge and cannot be toppled by Ghana. Nigeria’s best response therefore was to escalate the situation, using it to push Ghana back and earn some more space and dignity for her citizens whose businesses are terrorized in Ghana, till date without consequence.
Nigeria has continued to play the big brother role at its own detriment.
Sadly, Nigeria has again taken the big brother posturing that is of no significance whatsoever to the country’s reputation and international relevance especially within the African region. Nigeria has continued to play the big brother role at its own detriment. After supporting South Africa through its Apartheid regime and successfully mounted international pressure that eventually led to the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa, the Republic of South Africa has never accorded Nigeria or Nigerians any special place, respect or recognition because of the important role it played in dismantling the obnoxious apartheid regime in that country. Instead, post apartheid South Africa wants to rub shoulders with Nigeria in utter disregard of Nigeria’s position and role in liberating their country.
Case in point: Since the talk on reforms in the United Nations Security Council Permanent seat began, South Africa has mounted a solid campaign against Nigeria. The contest for who occupies the coveted permanent seat at the UN Security Council is between Nigeria and South Africa and the country is challenging Nigeria and making a strong case for South Africa to occupy that position, instead of Nigeria. Yet, Nigeria spent fortune in mobilizing other countries and campaigned vigorously against apartheid in their country.
Diplomatically speaking, Nigeria commits what is called political folly, in its big brother role within Africa. In diplomacy and international politics, it is trite to say that nothing goes for nothing. Nigeria therefore deserves utmost respect and recognition from African countries because of its big brother role. Instead, Nigeria’s efforts often go not only unrecognized but also disrespected, despite its strong and selfless defense of perceived African interests. This clearly shows that Nigeria’s diplomatic path is not in the country’s best interest. And for Nigeria after these long years to continue to still pose as Africa’s big brother rather than face the reality and address issues more strategically, shows deep lack of grasp of events or self mortification in perpetuity, in an attempt to please others. Nobody does that!
To be very sure, it is indeed unimaginable that a bulldozer can arrive at Nigeria High Commission at 5, Josef Broz Tito Avenue, Accra Ghana and began to demolish a residential house belonging to the High Commission and did so for some time at a point Ghana is harassing Nigeria citizens in their country even without any diplomatic problem between the two countries. It is comprehensively unthinkable. Note that it is not a terrorist attack, which case would have been different. Is it also possible for a bulldozer to arrive surreptitiously at Ghana High Commission at Plot 301, Olusegun Obasanjo Street, Area 10 Garki Abuja and start demolishing a building belonging to the High Commission of Ghana in Nigeria? Therefore, every logical analysis of that inglorious demolition act points to complicity of Ghana’s government or the security agents and for Nigeria government to say it is not going to ‘fight’ because Ghana has apologized, then, it is only unfortunate.
The implication is that between Nigeria and Ghana, Nigeria’s image is declining and Ghana’s, rising.
Politically speaking, Ghana has a much favourable international reputation than Nigeria in recent time. Ghana is seen to be generally less corrupt, with more decent and focused government much so that throughout Obama’s eight years as United States President, Obama made it clear that he will not visit Nigeria but he will visit Ghana and he did visit Ghana. The implication is that between Nigeria and Ghana, Nigeria’s image is declining and Ghana’s, rising.
The rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria is real whether Nigeria acknowledges it or not and the world seems to be shifting towards Ghana as far as West Africa is concerned and Nigeria needs to understand the import of such shift. Nigeria’s big brother role has persistently gone unrecognized and in Ghana’s case, it will definitely not be different. Even Ghana has been challenging Nigeria’s earlier decision to close its land borders and approached all relevant arbitration in a bid to force Nigeria to change its stance on border closure. Ghana has also been harsh on Nigeria business community in their country. Nigeria stomachs all these insults and now that an opportunity has come for Nigeria to take a decisive position, Nigeria is playing into the hand of its rival.
Has Ghana stopped putting up hard conditions that will be very difficult for Nigeria businesses in their country meet and forcing them to close their businesses?
Has Ghana stopped harassing Nigerian business men and women in their country? Has Ghana stopped putting up hard conditions that will be very difficult for Nigeria businesses in their country meet and forcing them to close their businesses? Despite that Nigeria is not harassing or in any way discomforting Ghanaians in Nigeria. Ghana’s unfriendly behaviour should be thoroughly unacceptable to Nigeria and the government must address these issues in a manner that favours Nigeria and not the usual big brother that amounts to nothing of benefit to Nigeria and her citizens.
For a start, Nigeria should recall its High Commissioner to Ghana and force Ghana to a round table where Nigeria will make some demands to protect her citizens and their businesses in Ghana. This will send a far reaching message that Nigeria is still in charge and cannot be messed with. Beyond that, such action will also strengthen Nigeria citizens’ position in foreign countries, who have become object of abuse in different parts of world including within Africa despite being citizens of a country that poses as the giant of Africa. Nigeria needs to rise and act in a manner that protects its interest and integrity, as well as commands respect for her citizens within Africa and beyond.
♦ Ebuka Onyekwelu, strategic governance exponent, is a columnist with the WAP
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