Britain’s Hidden Agenda: Ex-Minister reveals manipulation of Nigeria’s leadership

February 18, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has made shocking claims that Britain deliberately manipulated Nigeria’s post-independence leadership to maintain control over the country.

Akinyemi alleged that British authorities handpicked leaders they could control, bypassing influential nationalist leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo.

According to Akinyemi, Britain’s strategy was to ensure that power was transferred to the least developed part of Nigeria, where they could exert influence. This plan was devised as early as 1945, with the British learning from their experience with India’s Jawaharlal Nehru, who had evaded their control.

“The villagers had no reason to lie,” Akinyemi said. “They saw white people delivering supplies to Boko Haram. At the time, we assumed it was the French, but now an American congressman tells us it was the Americans.”

Akinyemi’s revelations came in response to allegations made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had funneled $697 million annually to terrorist groups, including Boko Haram in northern Nigeria.

The former minister also shed light on the role of foreign powers in Nigeria’s security crisis, particularly with Boko Haram.

“Our soldiers have had Boko Haram fighters in their sights, only to receive orders from superiors not to engage,” he said, suggesting a high-level collusion between Nigerian security forces and foreign actors.

He claimed that villagers had reported sightings of helicopters piloted by white individuals delivering arms, money, and supplies to the terrorist group. Initially, Akinyemi and his colleagues suspected French involvement, but Congressman Perry’s statements suggest American operatives may have been responsible.

Akinyemi further alleged that there was internal sabotage within Nigeria’s military, with some officers compromised by foreign interests. He cited instances where soldiers had Boko Haram fighters in their sights but received orders from superiors not to engage.

The former minister argued that Western powers, particularly the U.S. and France, have a vested interest in keeping Nigeria unstable, fearing that a strong Nigeria could challenge global power dynamics.

He recalled attending a conference in Washington DC, where it was discussed that no country in the global north wants a black nation to become a superpower, as it would disrupt their racial power structures.

“I attended a conference in Washington DC, where it was discussed that no country in the global north wants a black nation to become a superpower because it would disrupt their racial power structures,” he said.

Akinyemi’s revelations have sparked concerns about foreign interference in Nigeria’s affairs, raising questions about the country’s ability to achieve true independence and self-determination.

As Akinyemi aptly put it, citing Nelson Mandela, “Until Nigeria makes it, no black nation will.”