Professor Sadeeque Abba has issued a strong warning against any move by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek political or diplomatic favor from the United States, vowing to personally lead a protest in Abuja if such a visit or lobbying effort occurs.
The academic made this declaration during a recent interview on Trust TV, insisting that Nigeria must not rely on foreign powers to determine its political or economic direction.
Abba stated that he would take to the streets in open protest should the Nigerian president attempt to lobby Washington for validation or assistance.
According to him, such an act would symbolize weakness and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty before the international community. He emphasized that any Nigerian leader who seeks approval from Western nations, especially America, risks compromising the country’s independence and dignity.
Abba argued that Africa’s greatest challenge lies in leaders who prioritize international recognition over the trust and welfare of their own people.
He explained that the pattern of traveling to Western capitals to seek legitimacy or favors has repeatedly left Nigeria dependent and undermined.
“If Tinubu dares to lobby America, I’ll be the first to march in Abuja,” he warned, reaffirming his readiness to mobilize citizens for national accountability.
The professor described such lobbying efforts as a betrayal of national confidence, noting that true leadership must emerge from domestic strength and not foreign influence.
He stressed that Nigeria has the human and material resources to solve its own problems without appealing to external powers that often act in their self-interest.
Abba further criticized what he called the recurring culture of political dependency that has characterized Nigerian leadership for decades.
He said every time a Nigerian government turns to Washington, it returns with policies that hurt the poor while favoring foreign corporations and local elites. He warned that history has shown America’s interests rarely align with Nigeria’s long-term development goals.
The academic reminded listeners that no nation achieves progress by constantly seeking foreign approval. He urged the Nigerian government to focus on rebuilding trust with its citizens and strengthening internal institutions rather than chasing Western partnerships that offer little tangible benefit.
“We must learn from history — every time America gets involved, Nigeria loses something valuable,” he added.
He also emphasized the need for Nigerian leaders to act with self-respect and confidence in dealing with global powers.
According to Abba, a truly independent government should not operate under the illusion that Western endorsement guarantees success. Instead, he advised that real legitimacy comes from good governance, transparency, and public trust at home.
Abba called on Nigerian intellectuals, civil groups, and patriotic citizens to resist any external pressure that might push the government into compromising national interests.
He maintained that silent compliance from the populace only emboldens leaders to repeat past mistakes. In his view, national consciousness and public vigilance remain the best defense against foreign manipulation.
He noted that Nigeria’s strength lies in its people, not in alliances forged under unequal terms. He urged citizens to support policies that promote internal development and resist leaders who look abroad for solutions that should come from within. He said it was time for Nigerians to hold their government accountable for domestic progress rather than applauding empty international trips.
Professor Sadeeque Abba reaffirmed his resolve to lead peaceful demonstrations in Abuja if President Tinubu seeks to lobby the United States for support. He stressed that Nigeria’s dignity must never be traded for temporary diplomatic gestures, adding that the era of dependency on foreign approval should end once and for all.
Watch the video from 37:06 – 37:19
