Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Interview Highlights
- The Concept of Sovereignty
- Historical Context
- Potential Consequences
Former Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, asserts that oil is the driving factor behind President Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela.
Prof. Akinyemi expressed this view on Monday during an interview on 'Politics Today', a program on Channels Television that was monitored by DAILY POST.
He was discussing the invasion of Venezuela and the arrest of its President, Nicolas Maduro, by U.S. forces.
“The reason for Trump’s actions is the oil. This is not an auspicious start to the new year, despite our cheerful greetings of Happy New Year. This marks a troubling beginning for the world. It represents a triumph of brute force over the law, a victory of lawlessness over ethics. International law has been disregarded, and the United Nations itself appears to be under scrutiny.
I am aware that a United Nations meeting is currently taking place, but one can anticipate its outcome. Such actions should never have been permitted. We often speak of sovereignty; this serves as a lesson for all, including Nigerians, that there is a difference between legal sovereignty and power sovereignty.
“Brute force underpins sovereignty. You may claim your sovereignty indefinitely, but without the economic and military strength to defend that sovereignty, your claims are futile, and this is what we have just witnessed.
“Regarding Venezuela, you referenced Panama, where the United States similarly intervened, captured the president, and prosecuted him in the U.S., resulting in imprisonment with no repercussions.
“When incidents like this occur and the oppressor is allowed to act without consequence, it sets a dangerous precedent. My concern now is if the United States escapes accountability for this, what message does that send to Russia concerning Ukraine? What implications does it have for China regarding Taiwan? What message does it convey to various nations in North Africa facing regional conflicts? What does it signal to Israel in relation to the Palestinians?” he questioned.
- What is the main argument presented by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi regarding U.S. actions in Venezuela?
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Prof. Akinyemi argues that oil is the primary motivator behind President Trump's actions in Venezuela, highlighting the implications of brute force over international law.
- What does Akinyemi say about the concept of sovereignty?
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He emphasizes the distinction between legal sovereignty and power sovereignty, noting that without economic and military strength, claims to sovereignty are ineffective.
- What historical example does he provide to illustrate his point?
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He refers to the U.S. intervention in Panama, where the U.S. captured and tried the president, demonstrating a precedent for such actions.
- What concerns does he raise about global implications?
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He questions what message U.S. actions send to other nations, particularly regarding conflicts involving Russia, China, and issues in North Africa and Israel.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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