A former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Bola Akinteriwa has revealed why the Russian government may take a sanctionary measure against Nigeria as the war against Ukraine continues.
Akinteriwa who spoke during a Seminar entitled: “Russia-Ukraine War And The Imperatives of a New Global Order” which was organized by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos State, said the relationship between Nigeria and the Russian government would no longer be as usual.
He explained that two factors may trigger the Russian government to take a sanctionary measure against the country.
According to him, the fact that Nigeria has taken a position on its war against Ukraine and also that Nigeria voted against Russia at the United Nations may call for sanction.
He stated that the Federal government was being partisan when the Nigerian foreign minister said that it should withdraw troops from Ukraine.
“Two factors are most likely to impact on the relationship of Nigeria with Russia.
“Nigeria’s Foreign Minister said Russia should withdraw its troops. The implication of that is already partisan.
“You are now saying Russia is at fault. For the mere fact that you are saying withdraw simply means Russia is at fault.
“The second part is that Nigeria voted against Russia at the United Nations.
“In this case, Russia is most likely to reckon with those two facts and as a result take sanctionary measures against Nigeria.” He said.
He, therefore, called on the Nigerian government to acquire nuclear weapons and seek a greater country that makes it strategic focused.
Akinteriwa explained that there is nothing wrong in acquiring nuclear weapons, taking a swipe against some countries acquire them and saying others would be careless with them.
The Seminar also witnessed the contributions of The Director-General, NIIA, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Assistant Professor Efem Ubi, Professor Femi Otubanjo, and Ambassador Olusegun Akinsanya.
Others were Dr. Joshua Bolarinwa, Dr. Rita Agu, Professor Femi Mimiko and Mr. Bola Olajuwon.
DISAPPOINTMENT
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has hit out at NATO nations, saying they lack the courage to come for his country under Russian invasion.
Addressing a press briefing on Saturday, Zelensky said NATO is reluctant to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader said the West need to be more involved in discussions and even provide their own security guarantees to his country.
He said NATO member nations “lack the courage to come together for Ukraine” and that there is “no agreed position.”
The President further stated that Ukraine is working tirelessly to see that the ongoing war comes to an end, and is ready to start the process.
“Our diplomats are working on the details of the agenda of the possible meeting of Ukrainian and Russian delegations,” he said.
“I would like this to happen. So we can actually, not just on words, start the process of settlement, peace and the end of the war.”
“This is how the end to war starts in a civilized world,” he said.
The Ukrainian president said he was hoping diplomacy could bring peace, saying there was “a signal” coming from the Russian side about being ready to negotiate, although he gave no details on what this signal was.
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