Trump invaded Venezuela over oil, ex-minister warns Nigeria

Former Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister Prof Bolaji Akinyemi says US President Donald Trump's invasion of Venezuela and arrest of President Nicolas Maduro was dictated by oil interests. Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today Monday, Akinyemi called the move 'a victory of brute force over law' and 'frightening for the new year.

He warned this sets dangerous precedent for international law and UN authority, noting the US previously invaded Panama and jailed its president without consequence. 'This should never have been allowed,' Akinyemi stated, emphasizing that military and economic power—not legal claims—now underwrite sovereignty.

Akinyemi urged Nigeria to learn from this: 'If you don't have the economic force, the military force to protect your sovereignty, you are just wasting your time.' He questioned what message this sends to Russia regarding Ukraine, China regarding Taiwan, and Israel regarding Palestinians.

The ADC party slammed President Tinubu's government for silence on the crisis, while Switzerland froze Maduro's assets. UK PM Starmer told US the action was 'not straightforward.'

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/05/why-trump-invaded-venezuela-former-minister-akinyemi/