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The political ecosystem in the country has been abuzz with concerns following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Many fear that his rapid-fire executive orders could have unintended consequences for African nations, including Nigeria, potentially disrupting long-standing partnerships and economic stability.
In the days following his Monday inauguration, President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of introducing tariffs on major trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China, with implementation potentially beginning as soon as February 1. This announcement has raised questions about the future of international trade agreements.
President Donald Trump made headlines by pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization. He also weighed in on the debate over gender identity, asserting that his administration would formally acknowledge only two genders, male and female, as part of its official stance.
The cascade of executive orders and immigration promises from President Donald Trump has generated a spectrum of reactions, with leading political parties examining their ramifications. Of particular interest is the potential impact on Nigeria, as the country navigates its relationship with the United States amid these policy shifts.
In response, Ladipo Johnson, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, warned that the global oil market could experience a significant downturn, potentially leading to a slump in oil prices. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to prepare for the economic implications of such a scenario.
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“For instance, Trump believes in drilling. He wants to drill and increase production. So, it is expected that oil prices will crash. That, of course, will impact the world, including Nigeria.
“The man has an isolationist view of the world. Trump believes that others are not equal and that Americans are superior.
“You will observe this in his utterances and the way he has been going about things. But I always say whenever any of the Western powers believe that they are better than us, it is a wake-up call to our leaders.
“This is because we have the natural resources, but we lack the leadership and managerial resources.
“Again, when you look at his withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the WHO, it shows that Trump will not give much cooperation. During the Biden era, America showed some leadership in fighting COVID.
“So, when you now have a president who is there to break alliances and threaten neighbours and those who are considered allies, it is not too good for the world.
“The lesson here is that we must realise that we need to elect leaders who will hasten the growth and development of Nigeria. We cannot continue to go cap in hand to the Western world or even to the Chinese or Russians like they have begun to do now. We can’t continue to beg. We have all it takes to be rich and prosperous.”