2025: Nigeria, US Must Work Together For Global Peace- Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for better diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States, US in the new year.

The former Nigerian leader made the remark on Monday during an Interview on Arise TV, barely three weeks before a new administration takes over from President Joe Biden.

Donald Trump, who was overwhelmingly elected last month will be sworn in on January 20, 2025 to succeed President Biden as the new occupier of the White House, US seat of power.

During his first term as US president,  Trump relation’s with Africa and Nigeria was not too rosy, and diplomatic analysts insist that the situation may continue in his second term due to his Make America Great Again, MAGA mantra.

Obasanjo however said that the federal government must find a way to solidify diplomatic relations with the world’s largest economy.

The former Nigerian leader also urge the new administration in the US, to treat Africa’s with respect and make the continent top priority in pursuance of her global diplomacy and peace.

He said the American people have elected Trump who once described Africa as a ‘shithole’ and Nigeria must find a way to work with him for both country’s progress and prosperity, adding that the continent is too important for the US to ignore.

Obasanjo said, “Whether anybody likes it or not, the American people have decided that Trump will be their leader, and Trump, being the American people’s leader, will lead America for the next four years and will be the leader of the world,” he said.

“America is the greatest country in the world for now. It may change in a few years.

“Maybe China will take over and become the largest economy or surpass America in terms of technology or military power, but for today America is that country, and we cannot say we have nothing to do with Trump.

“We have to find a way of letting Trump know that what he calls a ‘shithole’ is not it, and we have to make him understand that.

“I believe that there will be policymakers around him that we can reach and talk to.

“America has an enlightened interest in Africa, and we must tell him, ‘This is your interest, and don’t ignore it. We’re ready to work with you; give us the respect and dignity that is due to us, respect our citizens who are in your country, and let us work together for a peaceful world.

“A world that is secured, stable, and where prosperity is shared, and security will be common for everybody’. I believe Trump will understand that,” the ex-president said.