International relations experts have described the victory of U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump, as a surprise that will bring uncertainty to international politics. The experts told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday that Trump did not have the experience and expertise in international affairs. Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a professor of political science, described Trump’s victory as a worrisome development.
The professor added that it would be difficult to predict Trump’s policies toward Nigerians or Africans in the diaspora and the continent itself.
Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, however, advised the leadership of Nigeria and Africa to promote policies in the interest of the citizens.
Gambari said such interests would encourage development and reduce the flow of African citizens to western countries.
He added that, “As Africans, we have survived slavery, colonialism, apartheid; I think the strength of the African people will enable us to survive any negative consequences arising from this results.
“The important thing is for the leadership of our continent to put the people ahead of anything else and if the link between the people and the leadership is strong, then we will survive the decision by the Americans to electing Donald.”
He expressed optimism that U.S. laws and institutions would protect Nigerians and Africans in the U.S., stressing, however, that “clearly, we should be prepared.
“The Africans in the diaspora are the sixth region in Africa as being decided by the African Union so we have to be supportive and look out for them.”
Amb. Dapo Fafowora, former Nigerian ambassador to the UN, however, said Trump’s victory was a lesson to Nigerians and Africans to remain in and contribute to the development of their countries.
Fafowora said Africans needed to reduce their reliance on world economic powers.
He added that “there is nothing in his background to suggest he has any durable interest in Africa.
“I think it is a lesson for Nigerians; people should stay here and make contributions in developing our country.
“When people go abroad, they contribute to these foreign countries; one must agree that conditions are difficult but if Nigerians abroad work half as hard as they do in abroad in Nigeria, we will be a better country.
“I think it is a good development for Africa that we should look inwards and try to develop ourselves without relying on any major economic power.”
The U.S. presidential election of 2016 held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, was the 58th and most recent quadrennial U.S. presidential election.
Republican candidate Donald Trump, and his running mate, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and her running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.
Trump got 289 votes, surpassing the expected 270 electoral votes.
He will take office as the 45th President of the U.S. on Jan. 20, 2017 and Pence will take office as the 48th Vice President.
Trump had also commended Clinton for her efforts throughout the campaign for the White House.
