In contemporary international politics, a nation’s ability to deal or interact with other nations in pursuing its national interests is determined by the perceived or real power that is ascribed to that nation. Power is an essential aspect of a nation’s relationship with the world and it nurtures capabilities that sustain the promotion of a state’s objectives in the international environment.
Thus, a country is considered “powerful” when it has a relatively large population and territory, extensive natural resources, economic strength, military force and social stability. Converting resources into realised power in the sense of obtaining desired outcomes require well designed strategies and skilful leadership at various strata of the society.
A nation with stable polity and good governance, economic prosperity, technological advancement, moral authority as well as visionary leadership will find it easier to radiate power abroad.
The power of a nation is what is used to influence others to protect its citizens and national interests. It is the ability of a nation to exercise influence and the capacity to direct the decisions and actions of others in the international environment to its advantage. It is a reflection of how a state harnesses the elements of her national power for active engagement in the international arena.
The elements of national power include but not limited to industrial capacity, natural resources, technology, geography, population and military capabilities. The strength of all the elements of power is to some degree dependent on the wealth of a nation.
Nigeria’s emergence as a regional power was partly because of the large revenue accruing to the nation from the sale of crude oil. This has made Nigeria to exercise soft power – the use of economic influence in the past within its sphere of influence in Africa. The use of soft power was to enable restoration of the dignity of the black race and eradication of colonialism and apartheid from South Africa.
When Nigeria’s power was at its peak, Nigerians were respected in Africa and other parts of the world.
Citizens have a role to play in Nigeria’s global affairs. Nigeria’s role in the maintenance of global peace and security enhanced its influence in global politics. It’s on record that the nation has contributed significantly to international peacekeeping across the globe. Nigeria became deeply recognised as a regional power and centre of influence, particularly in Africa. This in addition to a viable economy until early 1980s; Nigeria was the toast of many African countries seeking its support on global issues or financial assistance.
Then, Nigerians were respected abroad, while the tendency to emigrate abroad was not popular. In a nutshell, Nigeria has used her citizens and resources to advantage in order to contribute to world affairs. While some scholars have advocated that Nigeria should continue to play leadership role in Africa, others advocate reciprocity.
Simply, those who advocate reciprocity believe that Nigeria should not carry the burden of other nations in Africa, since she has her own domestic challenges. To further strengthen their arguments, advocates of reciprocity pointed out that though Nigeria’s foreign policy is designed to be benevolent to other nations, it fails to address the citizens welfare and security.
Gone are the days when Nigeria was regarded as a political leader in Africa. Nigeria has declined to a pariah status such that countries like South Africa which was assisted in the past have now turned its back against Nigerians.
South Africans now accuse Nigerians of taking over their jobs and marrying the best of their women. To justify xenophobic attacks, a South Africa’s minister says that 80 percent of those residing in a state are foreigners. Whatever the reasons, Nigerians are now being attacked alongside other nationals especially black people.
Is it because Nigeria no longer has the political and economic clout in Africa that has enabled South Africans to start xenophobic attacks on Nigerians? Are Nigerians or other black Africans the target of the attack in South Africa? Though we cannot fold our hands while our citizens are being killed in South Africa.
Gone are the days when Nigeria was regarded as a political leader in Africa. Nigeria has declined to a pariah status such that countries like South Africa which was assisted in the past have now turned its back against Nigerians.
But is it right to blame South Africans when we cannot fix our economy and make life meaningful for millions of unemployed youths?
Despite several efforts to rebrand Nigeria for almost a decade, some Nigerians have been identified with drug trafficking, kidnapping, banditry, corruption, amongst others. It is unfortunate that violence has now taken the centre stage in our national life in the past ten years. All perpetrators and masterminds of crimes and criminalities are walking freely in the country but we complain about South Africans who see Nigerians as opportunists.
People will always migrate. Nigeria however, needs to improve its economy and provide enabling environment for job creation to reduce the number of Nigerians migrating to other nations and committing crimes as it is the case with 80 Nigerians arrested by the FBI in the USA for cyber fraud.
When certain events occur in Africa and other parts of the world, depending upon their intensity and magnitude, which are likely to affect the well-being of Nigerians, the government cannot be a spectator. It is the responsibility of any government to respond in an appropriate manner necessary to avert disaster or take adequate measure to ensure harmony, peace and tranquility amongst Africans and the international community.
Citizens have a role to play in Nigeria’s global affairs by obeying the country’s laws and work in harmony with the government to pursue the national interests. Nigeria in return has the obligation of providing security and welfare to her people. So anywhere we find ourselves as Nigerians, we must be law abiding citizens.
As Nigerians we need to be honest with ourselves. We have destroyed the power of nation that has taken our founding fathers several decades to build. For instance, the collapse of moral values, decay in physical infrastructure, lack of strategic leadership and direction at all levels, and unemployment etcetera have undermined our power of nation. Power of a nation counts and it will always be relevant as long as nations relate in the international environment. The only way out is for Nigerians to respect themselves, be law abiding, exercise the patience to listen to the truth and bear the burden of our corporate existence.
MA JOHNSON
