WHY NIGERIAN POLITICIANS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO THE MIDDLE EAST

By Lucky  

The death of the Iranian general Qassem Soleimani is a strong reminder for our security forces to be more professional in the discharge of their duties to the political class.

According to reports, Soleimani was the man behind Iran's cladestine operations across the world, that is, actively extending their influence across the Middle East through militia groups.

They had been involved in proxy wars in Iraq, Syria and Yemen which led to the attacks on Saudi Oil Company. The attack on oil tanker along the straight of Hermuz is a strong indication of Iranian influence in the region. This control of Iran in the region has continued to grow, threatening oil giant Saudi Arabia.

The killing of Qassem in Iraq is a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty. This sparked wide condemnation from most Iraqi parliamentarians and as such issued a statement demanding the withdrawal of American troops from the country.

However, the US Government insisted they will remain in Iraq except they payback the over one trillion dollars airbase built in the country to fight ISIS. Following the American response, the Iraqi Government has since double down on that line of action because of the condition attached.

 According to the US President, the strike was carried out to avoid imminent dangers to Americans home and abroad (National Security).

Nigeria as integral part of the globe, should focus attention on the Middle East conflict because the National Security Policies of foreign Government is at play. It is not unusual for politicians to desperate, however in the mood of desperation caution must be taken in understanding the kind of agreements they sign with foreign Government.

There is no doubt that there is neocolonialism in Africa which was aided by over ambitious politicians who want to win at all cost, thereby mortgaging the entire Nation in return for foreign support. This duplicity by local politicians have continuously led to the hemorrhage of the African Continent including Nigeria.


Globally, countries sign treaties to ensure better bipartisan relationship in line with their National Security Policy. However, the political elites who have poor understanding of international politics signs any document thrown at the them because of the quest for power. When they discovered Africa, they were explorers but when Africans discovered Europe, there were called immigrants. This should be an eye opener for the political class because the west protect their National Security anywhere they go.


The over politicization of the security architecture of Nigeria has greatly affected their primary function of professionalism. In the 90s, Nigeria influence in the West African region was strong due to their professionalism and synergy in the epistemic Community but that momentum has since dwindled with the return of democracy in 1999.

While we encourage democracy in Nigeria, the political class and the top echelon of the security apparatus must have a clear boundary in the conduct of their activities. During campaigns, proper background checks must be done on all aspirants, necessary implication of proposed agreements analysed for adequate counter negotiation. The political landscape has changed forever with the death of Qassem Soleimani and Nigeria politicians should recognize those changes to quickly adapt to the fluid dynamics of international politics.