07/01/2026
USA-Venizuela debacle: Let's focus on the real discussion
Few issues provoke stronger reactions in international politics than the projection of American power. The arrest of the Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro, in the last couple of days has made critics across the world to accuse Washington of disregarding the sovereignty of weaker nations through sanctions, diplomatic confrontation, and economic pressure. Although, other countries like France, the United Kingdom (UK) among others, have also defended that posture, arguing that entrenched corruption and autocratic rule in the oil rich country orchestrated the action by the American strongman, Donald J. Trump. Note that accusations have also been leveled against parts of Africa and Latin America for eroding internal legitimacy cm sovereignty, sponsoring and incubating insecurity, etc
All raised arguments contain some elements of truth. But while the geopolitical debate continues, there is a more urgent and uncomfortable reality that Nigeria, several African nations, and countries like Venezuela must confront: sovereignty carries responsibilities as well as rights. When corruption, insecurity, and institutional failure become normalized, sovereignty risks becoming a hollow concept.
In reality, citizens suffer when leadership fails.
Nigeria no doubt, remains one of the world’s leading oil producers. Yet decades of mismanagement and corruption have left millions without reliable power supply, quality healthcare, or security. Public revenues disappear through illicit financial flows. Insecurity continues to threaten entire regions; from insurgency to kidnapping, to communal conflict. Ordinary citizens pay the price in livelihoods lost, opportunities foregone, and trust eroded. Do we still talk about truncating people's choices via electoral malpractices? These are some of the issues that provoke the disrespect and I'll treatments countries like Nigeria, Venezuela et'al get from their western counterparts like the USA.
Across Africa for instance, corruption has weakened governance frameworks and hollowed out institutions intended to serve the public. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, not leaving out Nigeria, have continued to struggle with fragile state structures and elite capture of resources. These have birthed instability, underdevelopment, and humanitarian crises.
The story is not different in Latin America. Venezuela, once among the region’s wealthiest nations, now stands as a dramatic example of how corruption and authoritarian governance can collapse an economy. Hyperinflation, institutional decay, and political repression have forced millions of Venezuelans into migration, creating one of the largest displacement crises in the world.
In such environments, resistance to external interference may be justified in principle. But outrage over geopolitics must not obscure the internal failures that create vulnerability in the first place.
One key lesson from global political history is: "nations earn respect through sound governance, not slogans." Where leaders fail to provide security, economic stability, and protection of basic rights, sovereignty becomes fragile.
Compare this reality with countries that invested deliberately in competence and accountability. Singapore rose from limited resources to global prominence through disciplined governance. South Korea transformed itself through education-driven industrialization. Even within Africa, Rwanda and Botswana have demonstrated that institutional reform and relative public sector discipline can translate into stability and economic progress, despite constraints.These examples may not be perfect models, but they prove that governance choices matter.
Naturally, whenever governance weakens, the country becomes increasingly exposed—economically, diplomatically, and strategically. Calls for sovereignty would begin to sound hollow when essential state functions struggle to operate effectively.
Nigeria and much of the Global South stand at a crossroads. Do we continue down a path where corruption distorts public life, institutions erode, and young people flee in search of opportunities? Or do we finally treat governance reform, institutional strengthening, and accountability as national survival priorities?
This requires more than speeches. It demands transparent public finance, disciplined leadership, functional security institutions, investment in education and research, zero tolerance for corruption, among others.
Nations like the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated that long-term planning and strategic investment can reposition a developing country. There is no reason Nigeria or Venezuela cannot do the same, except political will.
The world will always debate the legitimacy of American power. That is unlikely to change. But while attention remains fixed on Washington, there is a deeper conversation we must lead ourselves.
What does sovereignty mean in practice?
Is it simply the right to resist foreign pressure? Or is it the duty to govern with integrity, ensure security, protect citizens, and build economies worthy of national pride?
Real sovereignty is not declared. It is demonstrated—through competence, accountability, and care for the governed.
Until those principles take root across Nigeria, Africa, and Latin America, external interference—justified or not, will remain a recurring feature of global politics.
In summation, the governments of Nigerian led by His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, African nations and Latin America must rise now and do the needful. This way, they would secure their territorial integrity, win the citizens' confidence and avoid unnecessary drama with the world powers.
Eustace Okere is a practicing journalist, educationist and opinionist.
