Dogara Warns of Foreign Dictates

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has issued a stark warning regarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, suggesting that the nation’s future could be decided by external forces if it fails to act decisively in the global arena. Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Dogara argued that in a rapidly shifting international landscape, countries must aggressively pursue their interests or risk becoming collateral damage in the machinations of larger global powers.

He characterized the current international order as having fundamentally collapsed, leading to a scenario where stronger nations impose their will without recourse to traditional diplomatic norms. According to Dogara, merely having a seat at the table is no longer a guarantee of safety, as the most powerful players now actively exploit weaker ones to advance their own strategic agendas.

Dogara specifically highlighted the intensifying interest of the United States in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. He indicated that major global powers recognize Nigeria’s pivotal role in African stability, and consequently, they will likely take a robust, proactive role in shaping the political trajectory of the country to suit their own strategic interests.

While defending the concept of lobbying as a legitimate diplomatic tool, the former Speaker raised serious concerns about the reported expenditure of $9 million by the Nigerian government on a US lobby group. He questioned the justification for such a high cost, suggesting that while engaging in international diplomacy is necessary, the financial implications of this particular deal require closer scrutiny.

The warning underscores a growing sentiment among some Nigerian political figures that the nation must strengthen its internal governance and diplomatic posture to resist undue foreign influence. Dogara’s comments reflect a deep anxiety about the erosion of national autonomy in an increasingly chaotic global environment.