By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr Olisa Agbakoba, has called for purposeful and strategic leadership capable of restoring Nigeria’s declining influence and respect in the international community.
Agbakoba, who expressed concern over the country’s diminishing global relevance, said Nigeria needed a president with a strong understanding of geopolitics, geoeconomics, international relations and strategic positioning to translate its enormous natural and geographical advantages into international influence.
The renowned lawyer stated this in a post on his X handle on Monday, stressing that his position was not motivated by political party affiliation but by the national interest and the quality of leadership the country requires.
He lamented that despite its huge population, abundant natural resources, strategic geographical location and access to the Atlantic Ocean, Nigeria had continued to struggle to command the respect, attention and influence commensurate with its status and potential.
According to him, the situation should be a source of concern to every Nigerian, particularly as countries with fewer geographical and economic advantages are increasingly asserting themselves and shaping conversations beyond their borders.
” A country’s size does not automatically translate into influence. Neither does its natural wealth guarantee international respect,” Agbakoba stated.
He argued that international influence was built through purposeful leadership, strategic thinking, strong institutions, sound economic policies and a clear understanding of a country’s desired position in the global order.
Agbakoba maintained that Nigeria must move beyond measuring its importance by the resources it possesses and begin assessing its relevance by what it can achieve with those resources.
He said the next president must be someone who understands developments beyond Nigeria’s borders and appreciates the connections between the country’s economic interests, maritime resources, diplomatic relationships and security priorities and global developments.
“This is not a partisan argument. It is a question of national interest,” he emphasised.
The former NBA president urged Nigerians to demand higher standards from those seeking political leadership, insisting that the responsibility of restoring the country’s rightful place in the comity of nations begins with the choice of its leaders.
He stressed that Nigeria could no longer afford leadership driven solely by domestic political calculations but needed a president with the vision, competence and strategic understanding to position the country as a formidable voice in global affairs.
