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Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi Advises President Tinubu to Avoid Confrontation with Trump

Renowned political science professor Bolaji Akinyemi has advised President Bola Tinubu to steer clear of any confrontational approach towards Donald Trump, who was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Akinyemi urged Tinubu to exercise caution in navigating relations with Trump, whom he described as a political figure inclined to dominate weaker opponents.

“If I were President Tinubu, I would try to steer clear of antagonising him because there is nothing a bully likes better than taking on people who are not strong enough to resist him,” Akinyemi stated, citing an African proverb on the futility of challenging a bully without adequate strength.

The former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) recommended diplomatic tact, even in instances where Trump’s policies might conflict with Nigeria’s interests.

Akinyemi criticized Trump’s inaugural address, describing it as “shocking and depressing” for its aggressive tone. Instead of advocating for global peace, Trump outlined a series of controversial policies, including reclaiming the Panama Canal, renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, and initiating potential tariff wars.

“Trump will soon learn that there are repercussions to policies and jingoism,” Akinyemi warned, adding that the world should prepare for a turbulent four years under his leadership.

The former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs also noted that Nigeria, alongside much of Africa, was unlikely to feature prominently in Trump’s agenda. “Nigeria should not expect anything extraordinary from the Trump presidency,” he concluded.

Trump, now 78, succeeded Joe Biden after a historic second election victory, having previously served as the 45th U.S. President. The inauguration, held at the Capitol Rotunda, was attended by prominent figures including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Sundar Pichai. Former U.S. presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton were also present, alongside Biden, in a bid to restore traditional decorum to the event.

Notably absent was former first lady Michelle Obama, who chose not to attend the ceremony, despite the presence of Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.

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