Frank Nweke II

“Affliction shall not arise a second time” is one of our favourite prayers in Nigeria. And yet, affliction keeps returning, sometimes in worse forms, met with the same hollow responses and visits to the scene of the crime. Yet, the systems needed to prevent it from happening again are not in place.

To date, there has been no real action beyond statements, rebuttals, and media appearances following the threats by the American government. The response has remained the same, more people are being killed and kidnapped, and non-state armed groups grow bolder.

My heart is heavy, enraged and grieving for the young girls who have been abducted yet again, and for those who lost their lives in another senseless attack in Kebbi State. This is not an isolated tragedy; it is symptom of a nation that has normalised crisis.

We have repeated this cycle for too long - tragedy, outrage, headlines, silence, and then another tragedy. The government’s duty to protect its people is not optional, and affliction will keep arising until justice and responsibility do.

Nigeria at the Crossroads: We Must Take Responsibility for Our Future

Weeks ago, several persons were reportedly arrested over an alleged coup against the government. President Bola Tinubu responded immediately with decisive intelligence gathering, swift restructuring of the military hierarchy and clear resolve to neutralise any threat to power. That singular action revealed what our state is capable of when urgency is prioritised.

Yet, Nigerians are being killed, displaced and terrorised every day, and have been for years, without that same determination from our governments to staunch the bloodletting. Entire communities are left unprotected, and the government's silence carries the painful implication that defending authority is urgent but defending citizens is optional.

America’s recent threat toward Nigeria is unhelpful and inconsistent with international laws and norms. Yet it reflects a deeper reality: the world has lost confidence in a nation that has failed to secure itself. We must look inward and rebuild strength from within.

While there is much to say concerning this matter, I am deeply concerned that internal killings persist and that an external attack could occur even as we engage in debates to apportion blame, critique the government’s response, or analyse the dire consequences an American offensive could have on our nation.

Therefore, here are some immediate and strategic actions the government should consider:

1. Lead with data
America has made proclamations based on data. The Nigerian government must respond with data, not claims of falsehood. Announce an independent, time-bound inquiry into violence against civilians across all faiths and regions. Publish monthly data on casualties and displacement, and invite credible observers. Replace claims with evidence, and make protection the metric of progress rather than propaganda.

2. Show citizen-focused urgency at home.
Replicate the tempo shown in the coup response by deploying civilian-protection operations in hotspots, apprehending and punishing perpetrators, and holding monthly public security briefings that clearly outline goals, timelines, and outcomes.

3. Review the management of internal security beyond the service chiefs.
Our security must stop revolving around personalities and partisan interests but around systems that guarantee accountability, efficiency, and measurable protection for citizens. The President should initiate a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s internal security architecture - from intelligence coordination and policing to state-level frameworks - to ensure coherence and competence across all layers.

4. Affirm international laws
Reaffirm that any foreign military action without a United Nations mandate violates international law and will be contested through diplomatic and legal channels. At the same time, offer cooperation against terrorism strictly within Nigeria’s consent framework.

5. Lead with strategic communications
Streamline all communication through official channels and designated spokespersons to ensure clarity and coherence. Address the nation with respected religious and traditional leaders alongside the President. Condemn all forms of sectarian violence, outline a clear protection plan, share progress dashboards, and provide daily briefings to pre-empt rumours and fear.

6. Fix the diplomatic machinery.
Immediately fill key ambassadorial posts, adequately resource embassies to function effectively, and establish a crisis coordination cell to unify messaging between Abuja and foreign missions so that Nigeria speaks with one credible voice.

From experience in public service, I have learned that nations project power from within, not without.

Nigeria must remember that sovereignty is not defended by defiance alone, but by competence, consistency, and credibility. True influence rests on internal security, sound policies, economic productivity, verifiable human progress and respect for the rule of law. These are the pillars that inspire confidence in citizens and command the respect of others. When they are absent, disrespect follows naturally.

This moment is not only a test of diplomacy but of character, of whether we can rise above excuses, restore confidence in our state, and prove Nigeria's resolve to value and defend every Nigerian life.

Frank Nweke II.

As the songwriter wrote, “All I have to say is thank you, Lord.”
I am grateful for 60 years of God’s faithfulness.

Thank you all for your kind felicitations and prayers.

The stunning 3-2 victory of our ‘Supreme’ Falcons against Morocco from 2-0 goal deficit reminds me of a similar come back by Nigeria’s U-21 (Flying Eagles) team which trailed 4-0 against USSR in Damman, Saudi Arabia at the FIFA - World Youth Championship in 1989. In 30 minutes, Nigeria evened up and won 5-3 on penalties. Beat USA 2-1 in the semi-final but lost 2-0 to Portugal in the finals - testament to the indomitable Nigerian spirit. It was dubbed the ‘miracle of Damman’ and remains the greatest comeback in FIFA history.

As always, Nigerians are united in celebration of this victory… a spirit to adopt in our polity and politics.

Congratulations ‘Supreme’ Falcons.

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It is up to Africans to solve the problems of Africa.

A few weeks ago, I had the honour of joining other distinguished African leaders for the first cohort of the inaugural executive education program of the African School of Governance, with the theme: "Transforming Countries: Becoming the Leader Your Country Needs."

Over several days of deep dialogue, case studies, and personal reflection, one thing was clear: Africa’s transformation will not be imported. It must be designed, led, and owned by Africans—those who understand the complexities of our history, the urgency of our challenges, and how to harness the lofty potential of our people.

We can not afford to keep going in circles. This program offered an opportunity to return to the drawing board, ask hard questions, and deliberate on bold, homegrown strategies for the future.

Congratulations to Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, President of the African School of Governance, , and the entire team for curating an insightful and impactful knowledge-sharing program.