24/12/2025
PBAT: A Test of Leadership Passed with Distinction!
By Yahaya Balogun
First published, November 9, 2025 09:00 AM.
In recent weeks, weโve witnessed remarkable displays of resilience, strategy, and diplomacy that define true leadership. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's international diplomacy has earned him top marks! His adept handling of the situation involving the detained Nigerian airforce personnel by Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traore truly exemplifies masterful diplomacy on the world stage.
Rather than succumbing to domestic insults, international threats, stress, and mockery, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has skillfully leveraged his political strength to quell the orchestrated falsehoods aimed at destabilizing a nation that is steadily and deliberately overhauling its economy and enhancing its security framework to address domestic terrorism, economic hardship and insecurity.
As a proud and privileged citizen of the United States, my unwavering affection for American exceptionalism stands firm. My loyalty, driven by patriotism, extends wholeheartedly to my rooted homeland, Nigeria, where I would gladly serve both nations (the USA and Nigeria) with honor and strength, contributing to their enduring exceptionalism and prosperity.
Meanwhile, it is disheartening to witness the unpatriotic sentiments of many Nigerians during difficult times, especially with external disruptions affecting the nationโs affairs. In my experience as an American, I've observed the deep and unconditional patriotism shared by this writer and American citizens for the greatness of our countryโAmerica.
For too long, Nigerians have endured suffering and hardship under the weight of their leaders' failures. It is not surprising to see a disconnect in national loyalty among those who have faced hardships at the hands of their leaders. Conversely, many Americans, including this writer, remain loyal and devoted to their country, having reaped the benefits of the opportunities fostered by American leadership and the country's exceptionalism. Despite political challenges, American leaders consistently exhibit loyalty and commitment to upholding their nationโs ideals.
In the last few days, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again illustrated that effective leadership is rooted in strategic diplomacy and dedicated service to the people. His calm and focused demeanor reflects a keen understanding of the dynamics at play in a small section of politicians in Washington. Itโs commendable that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chooses to maintain a dignified silence while tactically addressing the misleading narratives emerging from the children of anger and those mischievous quarters.
America faces its own set of challenges, yet no American seeks to undermine American greatness by exploiting its security issues. It is crucial to recognize that Nigeriaโs security concerns are not limited to one demographic, region, or religious section; they impact all citizens across various geopolitical regions and communities in our beloved country.
However, it is encouraging to observe President Tinubu's efforts to initiate international diplomacy aimed at addressing Nigeria's security issues, especially in light of the influence of Washington's assessments of our security framework. Under PBAT's leadership, Nigeria is poised for a revival of its greatness, with economic strategies yielding favorable outcomes. Itโs time for discontented Nigerians to abandon their unpatriotic attitudes to avoid โdisgracingโ their country. The recent events have laid bare the hypothesis of hypocrisy within our society, making it easier to distinguish those who genuinely care for their country during times of crisis.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must make security a top priority, confronting domestic terrorism and banditry decisively. Justice cannot be selective; those who perpetrate heinous crimes against the nation must be held accountable. President Trump must partner with President Tinubu to help combat domestic terrorism in Nigeria. Nigeria is a great strategic partner with the United States in all ramifications. In facing these challenges, President Tinubu has shown that stoicism, strategy, and diplomacy are vital tools in addressing the actions of those who are both intentional and transactional in their ulterior motives.
Intuitively, as a steadfast and incurable optimist hailing from the spirited lands of Nigeria, I perceive President Trump's hyped threat towards PBAT's administration as not just timely but a hidden blessing in disguise that presents an opportunity for Nigeria government to revamp, restore, and restructure our entire Nigerian security architecture to ensure the safety of every Nigerian citizen.
Yahaya Balogun wrote from Arizona, United States of America.
