Don’t Push Nigeria to War, Tolu Bankole Cautions Foreign Powers

Don’t Push Nigeria to War, Tolu Bankole Cautions Foreign Powers

…Says true friends back reforms, not instigate chaos

A social activist and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, Comrade Tolu Bankole, has cautioned against the rising rhetoric and calls by some foreign political figures for hostility toward Nigeria, describing such agitation as unnecessary, dangerous, and a gross misplacement of priority.

Bankole, a former Students’ Union President, said Nigeria’s focus at this critical time should be on consolidating peace, stability, and unity to strengthen ongoing socio-economic reforms, not on sliding into conflict.

“Nigeria needs peace, not war. We cannot afford another conflict. War is never the solution to our challenges; it only deepens pain, poverty, and division. What our nation requires now is support to strengthen democracy, boost the economy, and sustain the gains of the ongoing reforms,” he said.

Bankole urged the international community, especially the United States and other allied nations, to demonstrate genuine friendship by supporting Nigeria’s reform efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He noted that true friends of Nigeria should work with the government in advancing policies that foster stability, transparency, and inclusive growth.

He added that the United States and its partners must also make it difficult for corrupt Nigerians to hide their illicit wealth in foreign countries. “Such proceeds of corruption and banditry should be frozen and promptly returned to Nigeria’s treasury for developmental projects,” Bankole said. “Those involved in looting the nation’s resources must be prosecuted according to the law. Allowing them to live comfortably abroad while keeping stolen funds; and at the same time plotting to destabilize Nigeria is double standard and not welcome.”

The APC National Working Committee member emphasised that instead of fanning the flames of conflict, the international community should offer Nigeria partnership in critical areas such as technology transfer, infrastructural development, job creation, modern agriculture, and the use of advanced technology to fight insecurity and banditry.

“This is the kind of support that strengthens nations and builds sustainable peace,” he said. “Nigeria needs collaboration, not condemnation.”

Bankole also appealed to Nigerians across all divides to uphold the spirit of patriotism and unity, urging them to resist divisive narratives. “Irrespective of religion or ethnicity, this is the time to show patriotism in line with our national anthem: though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” he said.

He warned that conflict, whether incited from within or outside, would only reverse Nigeria’s progress and inflict untold suffering on ordinary citizens. “Our focus must remain on building a strong, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria where justice and opportunity thrive for all,” he added.

Comrade Bankole concluded by reaffirming that peace, unity, and purposeful leadership are the pillars upon which Nigeria’s future must rest, calling on all stakeholders both local and foreign; to contribute to the nation’s growth, not its destabilization.