By Chico Mies The confrontation between Leonidas and Xerxes in 300 and the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State share striking thematic similarities, particularly in the struggle between power and resistance. Leonidas’ quote: “The world will know that a free man stood against a tyrant. That few stood against many. And before this battle was over, even a god-king can bleed.” resonates deeply with the current standoff in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara finds himself at odds with the federal authority following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency. The Tyrant vs. The Free Man In 300, Xerxes presents himself as an all-powerful ruler, demanding submission from Leonidas and the Spartans. Similarly, Tinubu’s imposition of emergency rule can be interpreted as an assertion of supreme federal power over Rivers State, challenging its autonomy. Fubara, like Leonidas, stands as a figure of defiance, resisting what he and his supporters perceive ...
How Britain and Other Powerful Countries Destroyed Nigeria and Small Nations During the Colonial and Post-Colonial Era
By Chico Mies
The colonization of Africa by European powers, including Britain, marked the beginning of an era that reshaped the destinies of Nigeria and many other small nations. Under the guise of civilization and economic exploitation, these colonial powers systematically disrupted indigenous political systems, looted natural resources, and entrenched socio-economic inequalities. Even after gaining independence, these nations continued to suffer under neo-colonial policies that perpetuated their dependence on global superpowers.
The Colonial Era: Exploitation and Division
When the British colonized Nigeria in the late 19th century, they imposed foreign systems of governance and economic practices that prioritized imperial interests over the well-being of local populations. The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 disregarded the cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity of the region, creating an artificial entity that lacked cohesion.
The British employed a policy of indirect rule, using local leaders as intermediaries. This approach undermined traditional power structures and fostered distrust among ethnic groups. The strategy of dividing communities along ethnic and religious lines—a classic divide-and-rule tactic—created tensions that are still visible in Nigeria today.
Economically, the colonial administration extracted Nigeria’s wealth through the exploitation of resources such as oil, palm produce, and cocoa. These raw materials were exported to fuel British industries, while the local population remained impoverished. Infrastructure like railways and roads were built not for national development but to facilitate the extraction and export of these resources.
Neo-Colonialism and Economic Dependency
Even after Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the legacy of colonial exploitation persisted. Powerful countries continued to exert control through economic systems designed to keep newly independent nations dependent. For example, Nigeria’s reliance on oil exports—a structure established during colonial rule—made its economy vulnerable to external market fluctuations and foreign influence.
The establishment of international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank further entrenched this dependency. Through loans and structural adjustment programs, these institutions imposed policies that prioritized debt repayment and foreign investment over social development. In Nigeria, these measures led to the privatization of key industries, reduced funding for education and healthcare, and increased poverty and unemployment.
The Role of Multinational Corporations
Multinational corporations, primarily from powerful nations, have also played a significant role in the exploitation of Nigeria and other small nations. In Nigeria, oil companies such as Shell and Chevron have extracted billions of dollars worth of oil, often with minimal regard for the environment or local communities. The Niger Delta, once a thriving ecosystem, has been ravaged by pollution, leaving communities to grapple with poverty, health crises, and a lack of clean water.
Political Instability and Global Interference
Western powers have also contributed to political instability in Nigeria and other small nations. During the Cold War, powerful nations supported coups and propped up authoritarian regimes that served their interests. The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), fueled by foreign arms and interference, highlighted how external actors exploited internal divisions for geopolitical gain.
Today, global powers continue to wield influence through trade agreements, military aid, and diplomatic pressure, often prioritizing their interests over the sovereignty and development of smaller nations.
Conclusion
The colonial and post-colonial actions of Britain and other powerful countries have left Nigeria and other small nations grappling with the consequences of exploitation, division, and dependency. While these nations have shown remarkable resilience, their struggles underscore the need for a more equitable global system that respects their sovereignty, promotes sustainable development, and addresses the enduring legacies of colonialism. Only then can they begin to rebuild and chart their course toward prosperity.
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