#Trump-Watch: Who will put Nigeria first? 

The return of Donald Trump to the US presidency has sparked a mix of reactions globally, with many wondering what this means for democracy and leadership. To understand the implications, let’s dive into some key takeaways from Trump’s victory. From the outset, Trump’s presidency has been so far defined by the mainstream media as what looks like chaos, controversy, and a relentless pace of news.

But in just five days, Trump’s presidency has generated enough headlines and news cycles to fill a typical president’s entire first term. This breakneck pace has left many in the media and the public struggling to keep up, with opinion writers’ conclusions likely reflecting the sense of exhaustion and overwhelm that’s become all too familiar in the Trump era. Trump’s just five days in office is indeed feeling like a full term and this carries some significant weight.

The world is beginning to see a reflection of the unprecedented nature of Trump’s presidency and the ways in which it’s defied conventional norms and expectations. As the news continues to unfold at a dizzying pace, one thing is clear: with Trump in the White House, every day feels like a lifetime.” Yes, America is a beacon to the world and election of its president has remarkable consequences all over. The world is beginning to see the strong man in charge of this self-styled beacon who campaigned boldly with a mantra, “Americanism, not globalism” will lead the way. And he reiterated that five days ago in his inaugural address: part of his words in the second paragraph of the inaugural address: 

“…From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.  We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer.  During every single day of the Trump administration, I will, very simply, put America first…”

Hurricane Trump has been rehired at a time the value of US global influence is under question, regional powers are going their own way, autocratic regimes are making their own alliances, and the devastating wars in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere are raising uncomfortable questions about the value of Washington’s role. But like it or not, America matters by dint of its economic and military strength, and its major role in many alliances. The mercurial leader isn’t a friend to so many politicians and leaders around the world. But even as we ponder over a brand new world order under Trump in the next four years, we need to reflect on some salient lessons from the politics and strategies of this man who survived two assassination attempts during last year’s election campaigns. Yes it is a time for reflections on the global consequences of this very remarkable election that returned Trump to power. Let’s face the facts: 

Trump’s return to power has been influenced by various factors, but it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact impact of his emphasis on the Founding Fathers’ values. We can explore and learn how his messaging and policies resonated with his supporters and contributed to his return. We now have a great deal to learn from Trump’s campaign strategy, inaugural address and subsequent executive orders, which highlighted his focus on “America First” policies, energy dominance, and economic growth. These themes aligned with his interpretation of the Founding Fathers’ values, emphasising self-reliance, limited government intervention, and American exceptionalism. Where are the politicians in Africa’s most populous nation who will focus on Nigeria first at this time? 
 
When last did our politicians and leaders here have the grace to remember our Founding Fathers from the North to the South? By tapping into this narrative, Trump appealed to his base, who saw him as a champion of traditional American values. His rhetoric on energy independence, for instance, resonated with voters in states like Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, where the energy industry plays a significant role.

One of the key areas where Trump’s emphasis on the Founding Fathers’ values influenced his return to power was in his approach to energy policy.  On day one, Trump signed executive orders aimed at boosting oil and gas production, rolling back environmental regulations, and promoting American energy exports. These moves were seen as a return to the country’s founding principles of self-reliance and economic growth. After more than 25 years of unbroken democracy, what are the legacies of our leaders including the current ones who have imposed the most unbearable energy prices on the citizens and businesses?

Moreover, Trump’s focus on energy dominance and economic growth helped him win over voters in key battleground states. His policies aimed at increasing domestic energy production and reducing reliance on foreign oil resonated with voters who saw energy independence as a matter of national security and economic stability. Where are the Nigerian leaders and politicians who will see energy independence and subsidy as a matter of national security and economic stability?

Yes, we are good at blasting Trump’s style everywhere we talk and write. However, it’s essential to note that Trump’s return to power was also influenced by various other factors, including his populist appeal, the Republican Party’s mobilisation efforts powered by recourse to the values that put God first as reflected in their currency: ‘In God we trust’, a value the globalists and indeed liberal democrats have been trying to remove from their currency.

Trump’s recourse to “In God We Trust” and the Christian foundation of American conservative values played a significant role in his return to power. Trump’s strategy involved portraying himself as a champion of Christian values and a defender of America’s religious heritage. During the campaign, he promised to “bring back God” into the public square and restore the country to its former glory, which he claimed had been eroded since he left office. Let no one tell me that God had no place in your business ethics and political development.

What is more, let our leaders reflect this weekend on this: while it’s difficult to quantify the exact impact of Trump’s emphasis on the Founding Fathers’ values on his return to power, it’s clear that his messaging and policies resonated with his supporters and contributed to his victory. By tapping into the narrative of American exceptionalism and self-reliance, Trump was able to appeal to voters who saw him as a champion of traditional American values. When will those who intend to take over from Tinubu appeal to voters as champions of traditional Nigerian values of hard work, resilience, boldness, brilliance, etc that built the bridges and business districts in Lagos, Cocoa House, first television station and even stadium in Africa in Ibadan, Northern Nigeria Development Company in Kaduna, world-class enterprise spirit in the East, solid universities in Ibadan, Ile Ife, Zaria, Lagos, Nsukka, Benin, Jos, Maiduguri before the current crop of selfish dealers who call themselves leaders?

Institutional resilience is vital: The US democratic system has faced significant challenges even during Trump’s first presidency. The resilience of institutions and the rule of law have been essential in navigating the their challenges. The United States can be proud of their strong institutions and knowledge development, civil competence power to debate issues of serious concerns. Fears about Trump’s tyranny are unfounded in the face of strong institutions we don’t have in Africa. That is a great lesson: nations need strong institutions of governance to make democracy safe for economic development. Ultimately, the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency offers valuable lessons for leaders and democracies around the world. As we move forward, it’s essential to prioritize adaptability, emotional connection, and institutional resilience.

Trump and never-say-die spirit in politics
Trump’s presidency has been a testament to the power of resilience and a never-say-die spirit in politics. Despite facing intense opposition and criticism, Trump has continued to push forward with his agenda, often using unconventional tactics to achieve his goals. He just achieved that with a big win.

While Trump’s presidency has been polarising and even controversial, there are still lessons that can be learned from his resilience and politics for development. Here are a few key takeaways:

Trust yourself: One of the most important aspects of Trump’s resilience is his ability to trust himself and his own instincts. This self-confidence has allowed him to stay focused and motivated, even in the face of intense opposition.

Find your tribe: Trump’s connection with his base has been a key factor in his resilience. By finding and mobilising a dedicated group of supporters, Trump has been able to maintain a sense of momentum and energy.

Be willing to challenge norms: Trump’s willingness to challenge traditional norms and institutions has been a key aspect of his resilience. By doing so, he has been able to create a sense of uncertainty and disruption, which has often worked to his advantage.

Stay focused and adaptable: Trump’s ability to stay focused and adaptable has been key to his success in politics. By being able to pivot and adjust to new circumstances, Trump has been able to stay ahead of his opponents and maintain a sense of momentum.

These are some attributes our politicians and emerging leaders should imbibe instead of piling up money to rig elections and then ask opponents to go to courts where they are sure of victory by only a few judicial ‘voters’. 

So, leaders who would like to put Nigeria first should mobilise all machinery of governance to ensure that energy costs to people and businesses are brought down to affordable level.

Those who would like to put Nigerianism above politics and self-interest would not encourage constant borrowing for consumption and expensive and insufferable personal emoluments including inexplicable retirement benefits for political and military officers. Those who would like to put Nigeria first would want to fund higher education robustly as quality in education is the only weapon of country and global competitiveness. Leaders who would like to put Nigeria first would restructure the civil service to prevent the public enemy number one called corruption instead of celebrating a few officers caught after successful looting of the treasury. And so, for us in the most populous black nation on earth, when shall we be blessed with leaders who will borrow from the brilliance of President Trump whose only five days in office appear to be convincing enough that leaders need to put public interest above life-long ambition nurtured only by personal interest? When will our leaders begin to put Nigeria first? When shall we the people too develop civic competence to demand this responsibility from our leaders?